Activist wants implementation of judicial independence
Judiciary
By Sandra Umeh
Lagos, Dec. 27, 2018 (NAN) An activist, Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, on Thursday underscored the need for the implementation of independence of the judiciary nationwide for an efficient justice delivery system.
“For the judiciary, 2019 should be a year of independence, when the courts will take a stand to defend democracy, the rule of law as well as human rights,’’ Adegboruwa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
He called on judicial officers to exhibit uprightness and diligence in the dispensation of justice, adding that the judiciary remained a last resort in the country’s democracy.
“As we approach the 2019 elections, the judiciary should stand tall to take its pride of place in the adjudication of disputes in a fair and unbiased manner.
“The judiciary should let its eyes of measurement remain closed to political and other subterranean and extraneous influences of all kinds and from all quarters,’’ the activist said.
He said that the nation and indeed the whole world, is looking up to the judiciary to set the pace for ethical standards in the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.
“The judiciary should take advantage of the newly enacted Act that has given it some measure of independence to control its own funds, and wean itself from the clutches and influences of the executive arm of government.
“Our courts have to embrace modern technology in the administration and dispensation of Justice.
“There should be no court room in Nigeria, in 2019, where proceedings are taken in long hand, where it will take days and months to get judgments of courts or its proceedings.
“There is an urgent need to follow the good example already set by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, to digitise our court systems.
“We hope to have less of court declared governors and legislators, when the courts will give the political parties the right to determine who should be their candidates in any election.
“We pray for a judiciary in 2019, where judges and judicial officers are better laid and taken care of, and in that wise, eliminate all forms of corrupt practices,” Adegboruwa said.
Adegboruwa also commended the judiciary for standing to uphold the rule of law in all cases in 2018, adding that he is optimistic that the upcoming year will also mark tremendous positive progress. (NAN)
UNS/AOM/EAL
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Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed/Ekemini Ladejobi