Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State governor, has reiterated his administration’s support for the judiciary and its ongoing reform as well as the key project.
The governor also praised the judiciary on its digitization of court processes across the state, noted that it has helped reduced delay, brought judiciary closer to the people and made it more transparent
Sanwo-Olu disclosed on Monday at the special thanksgiving service held to mark the opening of the 2024/2025 new legal year held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina Lagos.
Represented by his wife, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, reiterated his administration’s support and collaborated more with the judiciary to ensure adequate resources were provided for sustainability.
He commended the judges for upholding justice and the rule of law and the significant strides made by the Lagos judiciary, particularly in the areas of digitalisation, judicial appointments and training programmes for judges.
According to him, “The vital role you play in interpreting our law, adjudicating civil and criminal matters and providing mechanisms for alternative dispute resolution are immensely instrumental in achieving an effective justice delivery.
“The construction of new court complexes and the renovation of existing judicial infrastructure, which he noted have fostered a more conducive environment for justice administration.”
He also pointed out that digitalisation of court processes, lauding the success of e-filing systems. He noted that these reforms have helped to eliminate delays in filing cases, ensuring that justice is delivered more swiftly and efficiently.“I am particularly proud of the digitalisation of the judiciary’s filing processes, which has significantly reduced delays in filing cases.”
He emphasised that these reforms are part of a broader effort to ensure that the Lagos judiciary remains a beacon of hope and a model of efficiency for all citizens.
“Our judicial officers have fully embraced these innovations while remaining firmly committed to the timeless values of fairness, equity, and justice,” he stated.
In line with the commitment to improving the efficiency of the judiciary, Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the steady increase in the number of judges within the state.
He said, in 2023, Lagos State appointed 25 new judges, with an additional 13 judges added in May 2024.To maintain efficiency in the swift administration of justice, the judiciary has steadily increased the number of judges.
“As we move forward into the new legal year, I extend my warmest wishes for a successful 2024 and 2025 of continued progress, reform, and justice for all,”
Also, The Diocesan Bishop of the Cathedral, Rt .Revd Ifedola Okupevi, delivered a sermon titled ” God of Justice, God of Peace” charged judges and lawyers to uphold truth always.
Okupevi said the book of Exodus chapter 23 verse one to nine spoke about honesty and added that the power of death and life was in the hands of judges.
He urged judges to refrain from being partial or bribery in order to pervert the course of justice. ” The judiciary is the hope of the citizens in Nigeria, both rich and poor because justice delayed is justice denied.
“We have come here today to rejoice and thank God for the new legal year but if you take a bride and do not treat people fairly, it will distort the prosperity of our land because the judiciary is the last hope of the common man.
Likewise, in Mosque, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has asserted that no judge in Lagos would be condemned to hellfire.
He made this remark in response to a lecture given by two Islamic scholars during service at Lagos Central Mosque.
Dr. Hamzat who represented Governor Babatunde Sanwo-olu, refuted the scholars’ assertion that the application of Sharia Law would be a benchmark for justice in the hereafter, emphasizing that Nigeria’s constitution is secular.
He prayed for divine guidance for the judges in their administration of justice and called for increased collaboration to support the judiciary.
Delivering a lecture on “Exploring the Role of the Judiciary in Revitalizing Nigeria’s Economy through an Islamic Lens,” Imam Majeed Eleha, stated that righteous judges would receive special recognition from Allah on the Day of Judgment and be granted safe passage to paradise for their service to humanity.
He urged judges, magistrates, and lawyers to remain impartial and uphold justice without fear or favor, noting that their role as representatives of Allah on earth is crucial to societal development and economic prosperity.
So also Dr. Rahman Lawal, spoke on justice as a catalyst for Economic Recovery and Political Stability in Nigeria, referenced Quran Chapter 4, verse 135, stressing that Allah condemns injustice and delays in justice.
He urged judicial officers to uphold justice with integrity, following the example of the prophets.
The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba in his remark said that the judiciary would only function effectively when devoid of state and public interference in adjudicating justice delivery while commending Sanwo-olu administration for allowing the judiciary to function independently.
He said judicial independence means that judges and magistrates must be free to exercise their judicial powers without fear, favour and interference from litigants.
The Chairman Committee on Legal Year 2024/2025, Justice Adenike Coker, encouraged lawyers and legal stakeholders to participate in the webinar session tagged; “Cyber Offences in the Digital Stratosphere: ‘Civil and Criminal implications, tackling the menace’ slated for tomorrow among other activities listed for the new legal year.
