There must always be a conscious progressive relationship amongst the three arms of government, particularly the Legislative and the Judiciary, for the sustenance of good governance. The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Hon. Justice Josiah Majebi, said it is gainful for the Legislative and Judiciary arms of government to work hand-in-hand for effective administration of justice in the state and promotion of good governance.
The CJ made the call at the headquarters of the state Judiciary in Lokoja when he received the state’s House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary, Justice and Legal Matters in his office.
The committee was led by its Chairman, Hon. Halidu Usman Adejoh, who had his other members with him except the Vice Chairman, the Hon. Speaker of the House, who was unavoidably absent.
The CJ, in making his assertion, recalled that the judiciary had enjoyed the committee’s collaboration over the years with impactful effect on justice administration in the state. He noted that previous committee members didn’t fail in delivering through oversights and enactment of laws that have benefited the state.
“The collaborative relationship between the Judiciary and the House of Assembly, particularly the Committee on Judiciary, has grown from strength to strength.
“Both the committee and, by extension, the State House of Assembly have consistently upheld the status of the High Court and have, therefore, accorded the High Court, by implication the Judiciary, the respect it deserves as a fundamental arm of government.”
While thanking the committee for the visit and raising Judiciary’s hope for better days ahead, the CJ said it’s on record that the two arms had always been in harmony and assured that the Judiciary will always respect and honour the integrity of the legislative.
He added that the visit was indicative of legislative interest in building an enviable Judiciary for the state which would be adequately complemented by the Judges in the Judiciary whose integrities are not in doubt.
“We have honest, dedicated and trusted Judges whose integrities are not in doubt in the whole country. They have been at various Election Petitions Tribunals and I am pleased to inform you that none of us has been found wanting.
“So, as you move to have an enviable judiciary in the state, we will not fail the state. As the National Judicial Council is there watching the credibility of Judges nationwide, we will not fail our arms of government that are interested in producing an enviable Judiciary.’
The CJ however called for an urgent attention to Judiciary’s annual budgetary allocation stating that after payment of salary, the institution lacks the capacity to embark on pressing needs despite the huge responsibilities at it’s behest. Though confident of Governor Ahmed Ododo’s promises for the Judiciary, he said the state legislatures could also be supportive with the budgetary process
“One problem we have is that there has been no improvement in our yearly budgetary allocation. What is left after payment of salary can’t take care of most of our needs.
“Judiciary has the High Court, the Sharia Court of Appeal and the Customary Court of Appeal. The High Court alone has 247 Courts spread all over the state. They comprise the
High Court, Magistrate’s Court, Upper Area Court, Area Court and the Family Court. These courts are all under the High Court and we’re finding it difficult to even send imprest to them monthly. But I have taken this to His Excellency and just like you have said that you have interest in taking the judiciary to an enviable height, and even making it the best in the country, His Excellency too has said he would give us the needed attention and I believe him as one who makes his words bonds.”
Disclosing that though the governor has commendably demonstrated readiness to renovate courts in the state, he said if the conditions of the courts in the state were to go by, most courts in the state would be shut down due to their depreciated conditions and the state would be left with only few courts if there’s no urgent intervention. He urged the committee and other House members to endeavour to take assessment of courts in their respective constituencies to understand the extent of Judiciary’s needs.
“Please whenever you are at home, take time to go to the nearest court in your place to look at the structure and furniture to understand what I am saying. When I went to inspect one of our courts in the Central, I almost shed tears. I must tell you that I particularly appreciate my staff working there for their selflessness in bearing with such condition of work.
“It could have been better we shut down the court but by the time we do that and do same across the state, it will mean that all the courts in the state would be closed down except some High Courts and Magistrates’ Courts.
“The problem we have had over the years is that we are saddled with the responsibilities of these four categories of courts and we need separate budgetary provisions for them” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the committee had, while giving reasons for the visit, stated that it was not meant to examine records or scrutinize books but to connect and collaborate with the Judiciary to understand the challenges confronting the institution in order to integrate it into thier legislative framework.
“My lord, I want to clarify that our visit today is not an oversight visit. We are not here to examine records or scrutinize books. Instead, this is an opportunity to connect, collaborate and understand the challenges and needs facing the High Court and the Judicial Service Commission. This collaborative approach ensures that the uniqueness and perspectives of the judiciary are well-integrated into the legislative framework” according to him.
In addition, he said it was also intended to find a way of boosting the welfare of Judiciary workforce in such manners that the staff would not be lured by greener pastures outside the state. He said this would be achieved through a concerted effort that would ensure Judiciary workers enjoy career advancement that’s similar to those of the civil and legislative services just as he said that the Judiciary ought to be a promising field.
“Our further issue of significant importance, and one that deserves our focused attention, is creating pathways for the administrative staff within the judiciary to reach the peak of their careers, similar to their counterparts in the civil and legislative services of the state. Offering these dedicated individuals career advancement opportunities within the judiciary will foster loyalty, dedication and commitment. It will allow them to thrive in their roles without the constant lure of other “greener pastures,” because, indeed, the judiciary should be seen as an equally green and promising field.
“My lord, we are committed to building a supportive, progressive and resilient judicial system. Today’s visit is a testament to that commitment, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the judiciary for the benefit of all” he promised.
Other members of the Committee on the courtesy call who later went into closed-door meeting with the CJ
were Honorables Haruna Asema, Jacob Samuel, Ali Idris, Anthony Ujah, Sheidu Shehu and Otokiti Zakari.
The House’ Deputy Clerk and Permanent Secretary who also serves as the committee’s Clerk, Mr. Alfa Ndagi, was also on the visit.
Two members of the Council of Judges, Hon. Justices Abdul Awulu and Angelina Salihu, were with the CJ alongside Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, Dr. Tanko Muhammed, the Chief Registrar of the High Court, Jubril Ibrahim, Esq and their Management members.
Saqeeb Saeed,
Chief Information Officer, Kogi State Judiciary