Former Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar and Governor of Sokoto state, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambwal have called for the removal of all impediments militating against full autonomy for the judiciary.
They pointed out that the clamour for a corrupt-free and effective judicial system can only be achieve in the face of improved funding and access to same.
They spoke at opening of the training for Magistrates/District Court Judges organized by the Department of International Development, Role UK, Judicial College, London and Africa House in collaboration with the Niger state government, in Minna.
The former head of state who is the chairman of the occasion, said providing the enabling environment, especially in relation to the welfare and workplace for the judiciary to function optimally is very fundamental to the independent of the third arm of government.
The former leader decried the rot and dilapidation in courts especially magistrates across the country and called for intervention by state governments.
“In terms of the welfare and working places, as you go round the country, you will see dilapidated court buildings needing repairs. I think we need to look into that and tried to do the repairs in order to encourage their performances,” he noted.
He called for peaceful coexistence among all segments of the country, adding that the country can never developed in atmosphere of chaos and unrest.
On his part, Governor Tambuwal said the judiciary as the last hope of the common man must be encouraged to deliver on its services.
“If we don’t give them the training, if we don’t give them the funding we shouldn’t expect them to perform magic,” he noted, adding that a situation whereby the third arm of government go “cap-in-hand” to executive for fund negates its independence.”
He commended Niger state Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello for granting partial autonomy to the judiciary, while urging other colleagues to tow the line.
“If we want a corrupt-free judiciary, we must ensure that they have their independence in terms of financial autonomy and also well remunerated as at when due, ” advised.
Also, Governor Bello called for necessary judicial reforms to make the administration of justice easier and quicker.
He said the training which is the first in the country, is apt and handy as it provides rare opportunities for the lower court judges to tackle the new challenges confronting them through the judicial activism.
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