Legal Year: Bishop tasks judges, magistrates on integrity, uprightness
NAN-H-69
Judges
By David Adeoye
Ibadan, Oct. 9, 2017 (NAN) Bishop Joseph Akinfenwa, the Anglican Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, has admonished judges and magistrates to sustain good integrity and uprightness in the dispensation of justice.
Akinfenwa gave this advice on Monday in his sermon at the special service marking the opening of the 2017/2018 legal year in Oyo State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the special service was held at the Cathedral of St. James, the Great Church, Oke-Bola, Ibadan.
According to the bishop, judges and magistrates have vital roles to play in moving the nation forward.
He cautioned them against gratification of any kind and urged them to shun any unethical patronage from politicians.
The clergyman said the move to rid the nation of corruption as being championed by the Federal Government must continue with the full support of the judges.
He posited that uprightness and dispensation of justice without fear or favour should be the hallmark of the judiciary.
Akinfenwa lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for taking the steps to nip corruption in the bud in Nigeria.
The bishop called on government authorities to prioritise the safety of judges, saying that the security of judges and magistrates should be given attention in the judiciary.
“We heard that a judge was kidnapped in the last legal year, this could not have happened if the call for adequate security for our judges had been in place over the years,’’ the bishop said.
Akinfenwa, however, called for the establishment of Alternative Dispute Resolution in the state.
He said its establishment would enhance quick dispensation of justice and make judges and magistrates free from minor cases, which ordinarily, could be addressed by Alternative Dispute Resolution.
NAN also reports that Gov. Abiola Ajimobi, who was represented by his deputy, Chief Moses Adeyemo, read the first lesson from the Bible; Amos 5, verse 1 – 27.
Justice S. A. Akinteye, who represented the state Chief Judge, Justice M. I. Abimbola, led other judges to witness the special service.
Mr Michael Adeyemo, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, members of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and the judiciary staff were among others, who attended the service. (NAN)
DAK/FF/YEMI
Edited by Fela Fashoro/Yemi Idris-Aduloju