Abiodun restates commitment to welfare of Ogun judges
…says Ogun ready for the establishment of Appeal Court
By Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare and provision of conducive working environment for judges in the state.
This is coming as the governor stated the State’s readiness for the establishment of a branch of the Court of Appeal in the state.
The governor, who equally noted that the administration of justice is very central to the development of any society, assured that his government will continue to make resources and equipment available to ensure smooth administration of justice in the state.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, the Governor stated these on Wednesday during a meeting with some judges in the State.
Abiodun noted that the interaction is to further consolidate and strengthen the relationship between the two arms of government, while urging “their lordships” to continue seeing themselves as “partakers in a timeless ritual through which humanity assures the continuity of peaceful and ordered society ruled by law.”
While expressing his delight that judges in the state have never given his administration cause to doubt their integrity, probity and good conscience, Abiodun commended the judges for not giving contradictory interlocutory injunctions as none of them appeared before the disciplinary committee of the National Judicial Council for any disciplinary case.
He emphasised that the role of a viable judiciary towards the successful implementation of his administration’s ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda premised on inclusiveness, fairness, equity, justice, accountability, transparency, and good governance, could not be undermined.
The governor said several steps had been taken towards ensuring autonomy for the judiciary, especially in the area of employment of judiciary staff by the Chief Judge in the state.
“I must say that the vibrancy of Ogun State Judiciary has been one of the major reasons for the continued success of our ‘Building our Future Together’ Agenda.
“The Ogun State Judiciary also has a vital role to play in our investment drive. Investors will be willing to come to where they are sure they will get justice.
“Today the story of the Judiciary in Ogun State has changed. I can give oral and documentary evidence that the Judiciary in Ogun State has not fared too badly in terms of the care, attention and indeed affection it has enjoyed so far from our administration. Under our Administration, I am also pleased to inform you that the Chief Judge of the State does not need Executive approval to hire Judiciary staff provided adequate provision is made for the staff in the Appropriation Law of the State.
“I must again say that we are encouraged as the Judiciary in Ogun State continues to partner with us in our quest to bring Justice closer to our people,” Abiodun stated.
He added that his administration has prioritized all laws emanating from the Judiciary for presentation to the House of Assembly including Customary Court (Amendment) Law, Magistrates Court (Amendment) Law and Ogun Multi-door Courthouse Law.
While saying his administration has prioritized the purchase of vehicles for newly appointed judges and serving magistrates, including escort vehicles for the Honourable Chief Judge and President of the Customary Court of Appeal, among other benefits, Abiodun disclosed that the State Executive Council has approved a proposal to provide housing for all judges serving in the Ogun State Judiciary and judges of Ogun State origin serving at the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, adding “we intend to begin immediate implementation of this.”
The governor, however, said the state government was working assiduously towards the establishment of a Court of Appeal in Ogun.
