Niger State: Judicial Officers urged to speed up dispensation of Justice

Judicial officers in Niger State have been advised to enhance dispensation of justice in the state

The Niger state branch  Of The Nigerians Bar Association (NBA) were also told to desist from filling frivolous petition against judicial officers to enhance smooth dispensation of justice.

The chief judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik stated this at the state Bar week celebration organized by the state branch of the NBA in Minna the state capital.

Justice Halima also cautioned them  that   all Petitions  must be accompanied by  verifying affidavits  the implication according to the chief Judge  will amount to Prosecution for perjury.

“ The administration of Justice system rests substantially on the independence of the Judiciary which will enviably go along way in addressing   topical issue  of the judicial system which are  in the front burner of our national discourse” she added

She noted Corruption allegations abound, whether real or infringement imagination of those making the allegations stressing the needs be a resolve of zero tolerance for Corruption which may rear its ugly head in any form or manner.

She called on the forum to counsel participants on the need to key in to the effort adding that “Corruption as we all know is not limited to illegal exchange of money for underserved favour. The failure of counsel to see to the Prosecution of cases of his client with diligence and honesty

”l  admonished you  to ensure that in the course of prosecuting cases, you should  adhere to the etiquette and decorum expected from members of the profession.” she added

She pointed out the Bar has been supportive of the bench requesting for the sustainability of the cooperation noting that there has not been a history of animosity and I must commend the bar and it’s leadership for their supportive role

The Judiciary according to the chief Judge is making conscious efforts to provide a conducive environment  for  the administration of Justice in the state despite paucity of funds disclosing that at the Judicial Service Commission level “We have not abdicated from our responsibility of discipline  erring Judicial officers and Judiciary staff.”

Earlier  the chairman Minna Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Barrister Mohammed Abdulkadir Waziri  described the Judiciary as the life-wire of democracy noting that it is unfortunate that  Judiciary is on trial as it has been accused  of exclusively working for the high and mighty in the society

According to the NBA Chairman,while  Judicial  Corruption is an impediment to the administration of Justice in Nigeria, it is unfair to allege that the Judiciary only works for the rich stating that there are many instances where powerful and influential people have been convicted in the courts for various offenses and some are still serving jail terms.

He noted that in all democracies worldwide, access to Justice is available to all, but it is entirely free more so he added  administration of justice is all about proof of allegations by cogent evidence as the court is not a father Christmas that will hastily hand litigants their claims

He pointed out that litigants, especially claimants, have a responsibility of proving their cases to entitle them to reliefs sought insisting that this makes litigation to be technical and often  necessitates  engaging the service of lawyer with attendant financial expenses,.