Independent Judiciary crucial to good governance – Akeredolu
Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu says the people can only be better served if the three arms of government are allowed to act separately and independently as the constitution permits.
The Governor made the statement at the valedictory Court Session in honour of the retiring Ondo Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Olutoyin Akeredolu, held at the state High Court.
Governor Akeredolu stated that true liberty lies in the independence of the judiciary in all ramifications, stressing that the people will be the direct beneficiaries.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to judicial independence, adding that since the inception of his administration, he has continued to uphold the sanctity of the independence of the three arms of government in all its official dealings.
According to the Governor, the Judiciary as the last arm is the gatekeeper, checkmating the proclivity of the other two towards excessive preferences.
The Governor while congratulating the retiring CJ, said the state is proud of her meritorious services, just as he congratulated members of the Bench in the state Judiciary for the cooperation extended to the CJ all through her tenure.
“We continue to insist that the people can be best served if these institutions of State are allowed to act separately and independently as the constitution permits.
“We have never, at any moment, sought to undermine this principle upon which modern societies, which embrace democracy, act.
“We stand here, with our heads erect in the knowledge that we have been able to shield all members of our State from wanton disregard to decency. It is our pride to have a very vibrant third arm of government in the state,” he said.
Akeredolu who disclosed that the judiciary has a major role to play in the development of the country, also noted that any judicial reform, which fails to recognise the present state of alienation of the institution of rectitude from the mass of the people, is a waste of time.
According to him, this system is distant, oppressive and retrogressive, adding that conscious steps must be taken to take justice to the grassroots in the interest of the generality of the people.
Akeredolu also said the current constitutional structure is a sure recipe for continual crises with the attendant underdevelopment, noting both the Federal and State judicial structures are too artificial and withdrawn from the current realities in a country as divergent as Nigeria.
“The country must embrace the principles of devolution of powers and implement all useful recommendations in the interest of the generality of the people. The current system cannot engender development,” Akeredolu stressed.
Zainab Sa’id
