Nigeria at crucial point in anti-corruption fight, says Lalong

Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong, has said that the country was at a crucial time in its fight against corruption and efforts to severe it from those who have been plundering the nation’s commonwealth.

He said all forms of maladministration and misappropriation of the commonwealth and corporate patrimony should be stopped through the instrumentality of the Law.

Lalong stated this yesterday during the swearing-in of Justice Yakubu Gyang Dakwak as the Chief Judge of the state at Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos.

He said: “We all have the sacred task of ensuring we are a part of the campaign. You would therefore be expected with this new appointment to join hands with all stakeholders in the Judiciary and Justice Delivery S
ystem in our Country to help sanitise our country.

“The judiciary has been under sustained public scrutiny and this is so because it represents the hope of the groaning masses and for a redeemable future for posterity.

“An incorruptible judiciary is the altar for the sanitisation of our country; punishment for crimes, remedy for injuries and the enthronement of respect for the rule of law are sure panaceas against the reign of impunity and abuse of public trust and anarchy, which have eroded the much desired sanity in our public space.”

The governor pointed out that the swearing-in of Dakwak as Chief Judge of Plateau State was a confirmation of his appointment as substantive Chief Judge in compliance with constitutional provision for such confirmation, following his appointment as Acting Chief Judge in 2017.

Lalong noted that given Dakwak’s exposure in the Judicial Service cutting across all aspects of law practice, judicial reforms, alternative dispute resolution and Ad-hoc Quasi–Legal and Administrative Assignment, he would deliver in his new role.

“I am certain that our expectation of a practice direction that will enhance speedy dispensation of justice and serve the purpose of protecting the sanctity of the rule of law, with equal access to justice for all in the state will be guaranteed.

“Permit me to reiterate the position of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, who has called for the judiciary to be in the forefront of the fight against corruption.

“I am glad that upon assumption of office as Acting Chief Judge then, he gave effect to this with the designation of a court for hearing and speedy determination of cases of corruption and financial crimes.

“As you join in the establishment of an Anti- Corruption Trial Monitoring Committee to ensure that courts handling corruption and financial crime cases, abide by the renewed efforts at ridding our country of the canker worm of corruption, the Plateau State judiciary and in fact that of the country in general, will serve the purpose of being the midwife for a better Nigeria,” he stated.