The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on Tuesday called for adequate security measures around judges and courts in the country to protect them from attacks.
The panel also frowned at the N110bn budgetary estimate proposed for the judiciary in 2021.
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The chairman of the committee, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, said the recent attacks on the courts by hoodlums was worrisome and condemnable.
He spoke during a budget defence session with Chief Registrars of federal courts.
He said such attacks, spontaneous or premeditated, were more or less potential assaults on judges and Justices which must be nipped in the bud.
“Worthy of note, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, is the unfortunate and unwarranted recent attack and vandalisation of the Court of Appeal archive office in the Lagos Division, as well as the Lagos State High Court Complex, located at Igbosere, which was set ablaze by hoodlums.
“This action is highly condemnable and a clarion call for provision of adequate security mechanisms, for the safety of judges and the courts, generally.
“Aside safety of judges and the courts, welfare of judges as well as electronic fittings and automation of the courts are also very critical areas requiring urgent the attention,” he said.
He, however, said the N110 billion budgeted for the judiciary in 2021 was grossly inadequate to bring about the needed turnaround.
“This committee will do all within its legislative powers to ensure that the funding of the judiciary is improved upon for dispensation of justice in the country efficiently and appropriately,” he said.
