Posted by From Funso Muraina in Akure on
A Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Gladys Olateru-Olagbegi, has expressed concern over the accusations of corruption being levelled against judicial officers in the country, saying such could lead to anarchy.
A Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Gladys Olateru-Olagbegi, has expressed concern over the accusations of corruption being levelled against judicial officers in the country, saying such could lead to anarchy.
Olateru-Olagbegi, who stated this at a special court sitting to mark the commencement of the 2005/2006 legal year in Akure, said the recent developments could strain the relationship between the Bar and the Bench.
She regretted that petition writing against judicial officers have replaced the constitutionally recognised right of appeal and advised lawyers to always be cautious.
'The usual mutual respect which hitherto existed between the Bench and the Bar is fast waning. In fact, the ethos of the profession is on the downward trend.
'Though may be isolated, yet their effect is like a cancerous growth which if not checked may destroy the age-long tradition of the profession. This must be jealously guarded by both the Bar and the Bench.
'We must all go back to the basics because if we allow ourselves to be consumed by the decadence pervading the larger society the result is anarchy," she said.
She added that the bar and the bench should remain focused, united and speak with one voice rather than be at dagger's drawn.
Speaking on the state judiciary, the Chief Judge said the state government has approved the development of a new High Court complex for the judiciary.
She said N50 million has been earmarked for the survey plan and the preliminary drawings for the new High Court complex.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Yemi Alao, also said the state government has applied for the location of a Court of Appeal in Akure.
According to him, the application, which was directed to the President of the Court of Appeal, sought the court to serve Ondo and Ekiti states.
He, however, said lawyers as ministers in the temple of justice have a critical role to play in the challenges facing the justice sector.
He said Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) should therefore establish the programme of continuing legal education for legal practitioners.
'As learned people, we should not be found wanting in the sphere of current legal knowledge and court decisions. We must consistently remind ourselves that professional knowledge is cumulative," he said.