Lawyers hopeful of implementation of reforms during 2017/18 legal year
NAN- H-8
Reform
By Veronica Dariya
Abuja, Oct.12, 2017 (NAN) Some Abuja-based lawyers have expressed optimism of implementation of judicial reforms during the 2017/2017 legal year that would strengthen the judiciary.
The lawyers spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.
NAN reports that Justice Walter Onnoghen, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) had stressed the need for a holistic review of the operations of the nation’s judiciary.
Mr Jude Kaleijaye, a lawyer said that he was optimistic that the present administration would sustain its anti-corruption crusade.
“This is why it is important for the judiciary to be transparent in all its processes; we must start from there.
“I believe the leadership of the CJN would go extra mile to ensure the set goal is attained.’’
Another lawyer, Mr Alphonso Ezedinma, said that if the welfare of judicial staff and necessary infrastructure were taken care of, the system would no doubt, gain the confidence of the people.
Ezedinma also stressed the need for lawyers to ensure professionalism in the performance of their duties.
In the same vein, Mr Sam Essien, also urged his colleagues to imbibe the culture of professionalism.
According to him, the standard of practice is declining and the Bar should do something to check the trend.
“Lawyers must apply self discipline and be faithful to their clients.
“They should be diligent in the prosecution of cases and must not encourage corruption because in most cases, without the connivance of lawyers, there will not be corrupt judges.
“I also strongly believe that we lawyers must cooperate with the Bench in the speedy and smooth dispensation of justice.
“Filing frivolous applications and all manner of objections that delay the speedy hearing of matters on merit; there is need for change of attitude.
“We should be able to get ourselves above that and ensure that the litigants, the judiciary and judges get our cooperation to oil the wheel of justice.
“We should not encourage touting but work towards building a robust administration of justice,” Essien said. (NAN)
DVK/AK/OU
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Edited by Akin Makanjuola/Obike Ukoh
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