• Financial autonomy, real-time adjudication crucial, say Ejimakor, Ebute
• Pepe insists graft, political interference must be uprooted
• ‘Judiciary needs to embrace modern technologies’
As the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, assumes office today, stakeholders have outlined key priorities for her and offered suggestions to rejuvenate the country’s justice system.
To give the judiciary new life, an Abuja-based lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, stressed that financial autonomy is crucial for the judiciary to function independently and efficiently.
He called on the judiciary to have the statutory authority to determine the number of judges required for each court, as it is best positioned to assess the burden of dispensing justice.
Ejimakor noted that judges across Nigeria were overworked, which contributed to the high mortality rate among them.
He proposed that the appointment of federal judges, including those in the Supreme Court, should reflect geopolitical equity, arguing that the principle, already applied in the legislature and executive, should be extended to the judiciary.
The erudite lawyer advocated setting up time limits for the resolution of cases from the trial court to the Supreme Court, pointing out that such limits exist for election petitions and should be applied more broadly, with limited exceptions.
For Moses Ebute, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the new CJN must prioritise creating a more conducive environment for judicial officers to perform their duties efficiently.
This, he said, includes addressing the persistent delays in adjudicating cases, particularly at the Supreme Court, to ensure the swift dispensation of justice.
The SAN added that the CJN should focus on expediting the appointment and elevation of judicial officers, especially when replacing those who have retired or passed on, ensuring that the judiciary remains adequately staffed.
“Disciplinary actions against proven recalcitrant and corrupt judicial officers should be strictly enforced to maintain the integrity of the judiciary,” he suggested.
Ebute also stated that the selection of judges must be based on merit in ensuring that only the most qualified individuals are on the bench.
Another senior lawyer, Douglas Pepe, said the perceived corruption and political interference in the country’s adjudication process needed to be stamped out without delay.
According to him, it is the only way the judiciary will regain its place as an independent arm of government and the last hope of the common man.
Non-judicial actors, he said, will no longer treat the system with contempt and impunity, stressing that this will also boost the morale of conscientious practitioners and citizens who believe in the rule of law.
The SAN said: “You cannot tackle corruption effectively without addressing the issue of welfare and remuneration of the justice sector actors. Also, the process of recruitment of judges at all levels must be made transparent to prevent unworthy elements sneaking into the system.”
Convener of the Fight Against Corruption in the Judiciary, Bayo Akinlade, noted the need for the judiciary to embrace modern technologies in carrying out its duties.
He called for a corruption monitoring team to be set up to check the activities of judges in their various courts across all states of the federation.
Akinlade also advocated improved welfare and law to reduce the burden of the Supreme Court to give greater responsibility to lower courts.
For Osatohanmwen Uwagboe, a lawyer, to improve the efficiency and integrity of the judiciary, several reforms could be considered.
He said, “First, the caseload to the Supreme Court should be restricted through the amendment of the Constitution and other relevant laws, to limit the number of cases that reach the apex court.
“This could involve allowing certain cases, particularly those of lesser national importance, to be conclusively resolved at the Court of Appeal.”
On his part, Marvin Omorogbe urged the new leadership to focus on judicial independence, accountability and transparency in judicial appointments.
The lawyer said legal aid and access to justice for all, particularly marginalised communities, anti-corruption measures, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms that promote mediation and arbitration must be adopted to ease court burdens.
Executive Director, Sterling Law Pavilion, DejiAjare, said the key reforms and new initiatives for transforming the judiciary with a focus on human rights are crucial for the new CJN.
He urged her to implement measures to insulate judges from external influence and political interference.
“Fast-tracking human rights cases by introducing specialised courts or designated judicial processes is essential to ensure timely justice for victims.
“One other significant area of importance is to embrace technology, transparency, efficiency, and accessibility of court proceedings. Implement e-filing systems, virtual court hearings, and online case management platforms to streamline processes and improve judicial service delivery,” he demanded.
He charged the CJN with pushing for reform that would include removing all impediments to realising the benefits of judgments obtained in human rights cases, such as the contentious Section 84 of the Sheriff’s and Civil Processes Act.
“Conduct regular assessment, collect feedback from stakeholders, and make data-driven decisions to improve the protection of human rights,” Ajare tasked the CJN.
