Gov Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has called for a collaborative effort among all the arms of government to ensure that the judiciary remains a pillar of justice and the last hope of the citizens.
Sanwo-Olu made the call at a special prayer to mark the commencement of the 2024/2025 Legal Year.
The event held at the Lagos Central Mosque, Lagos Island, on Monday.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said the state government was committed to supporting and strengthening the judiciary.
According to him, the government recognises the critical role of the judiciary in maintaining justice and order.
He emphasised that the executive arm remained steadfast in its support for the judiciary and would continue to collaborate closely with the judicial arm to ensure swift justice delivery.
“It is our candid view that the judicial arm of government holds a vital responsibility in interpreting the laws, adjudicating civil and criminal matters.
Also, it is saddled with the responsibility of providing mechanisms for alternative dispute resolution,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He said that hard work had sustained the integrity of the legal system and ensured that the state judiciary remained a beacon of hope for the citizens.
The governor highlighted some significant reforms undertaken by the state judiciary to strengthen the legal system.
“These include establishment of the Small Claims Court, the Special Offences and Sexual Offences Courts, and introduction of e-probate services.
“Also, the state judiciary has embarked on construction projects to boost its performance.
“They include the Commercial Court in Tapa which is 90 per cent completed and provides a specialised venue for handling the growing number of commercial disputes in Lagos State,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu added that the ongoing review of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, along with the digitalisation of court processes, had enhanced the efficiency and accessibility of justice through innovations such as remote court sittings and e-filing.
In his lecture entitled “Exploring the Roles of the Judiciary in Revitalising Nigeria’s Economy through an Islamic Lens” Sheikh Imran Elha, said that the judicial career was a divine calling,
“It is a career approved by Allah, paralleling it to the noble role of prophets who served as intermediaries between the people.
“As such, the profession demands utmost fairness, integrity and dedication.
“Allah will command shadow to be on only those who judge rightly,” he said.
According to him, there are three categories of judges: righteous judges who render just verdicts, ignorant judges who make uninformed decisions, and corrupt judges who intentionally manipulate judgments through compromise or external pressure.
The cleric said that usage of wrong scales was a form of injustice and must be avoided by the citizens.
Similarly, in his lecture, entitled: “Justice as a Catalyst for Economic Recovery and Political Stability in Nigeria”, Sheikh AbdulRahman Lawal said that God condemned injustice.
He said that God commanded justice, fairness and compassion in all human interactions.
He added that justice must be equitable irrespective of religion or tribe.
The cleric also said that justice delivery must be without fear and favour.
“Delayed justice is also a form of injustice, and all those who aid injustice will be in total darkness on the last day.
He urged all stakeholders in justice administration to be fair, saying that judges only made judgment based on facts presented before them. (NAN)
