In a bid to improve and speed up Judicial Cases in Customary Courts across the State, the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission (JSC), has sworn in seven newly appointed Presidents and 89 Members of Customary Courts.
In his address at the swearing-in ceremony, the Chief Judge of Lagos State and Chairman of the Judicial Service Commission, Hon. Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, charged the newly appointed Presidents and Members of the Customary Court to uphold the ethics of the Judiciary by being punctual, honest, fair and judicious in their actions, while distancing themselves from corruption, partisanship or flamboyance.
His words: “As you adjudicate cases assigned to you, don’t go near corruption because it will not be tolerated. If you are not careful, people will push you to corruption but don’t try to please anyone to the detriment of your job. I don’t tolerate corruption, even in confidence. Importantly, the fear of God should be your watchword in all your dealings”.
“Presidents should respect and honour their members’ opinion and have cordial relationships with them to ensure success in their jobs as they are only lucky to be appointed as Presidents”, he said.
While reiterating the importance of oaths of allegiance and secrecy, Justice Alogba maintained that judicial officers are required to uphold the tenets of the rule of law at all times.
Addressing the newly appointed Presidents and Members of the Customary Court, the State Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) who was represented by the Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bay, urged them to be diligent, dedicated and sober while adjudicating matters brought to their courts.
“The appointed Presidents and Members should learn the ropes of justice and practise it rightly. You should dress well whenever you are in courts and being the face of Judiciary, you should always maintain decorum and be subtle while delivering justice in your various courts”, she said.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Executive Secretary, Judicial Service Commission, Mrs. Olubukola Salami, said the appointments were based on merit, enjoining the appointees to do the job meticulously and not to be found wanting in any way that would tarnish the image of the Judiciary.
She gave an assurance that the Commission will train the appointees to sharpen their skills for better dispensation of justice and urged them to maintain the course of justice in discharging their duties, adding that they should be fair, but fear no one in determining cases.
