Abia State Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Lilian Abai has said when a judicial system is correctly calibrated, the law is applied by the courts fearlessly, without favour and with courage and respect.

She also declared that as far as constitutional democracy is concerned, there is enough fire in the constitution to protect judicial independence in Nigeria.

Speaking during the special session to mark the formal opening of the 2023/2024 Legal Year, she explained that security of tenure is highly fundamental for judicial officers.

The theme of the event was “Independence of the Judiciary: A Gateway to a free Democratic Society.”

According to her, doing so ensures that a judge’s ability to stay in a post does not depend on pleasing the government or citizens.

She added that it implies financial security as well as proper remuneration.
“This is why the welfare of judicial officers, which include Magistrates and Customary Court chairmen, should be paramount; otherwise, they may be exposed to conducts that are unbecoming of Judicial officers,” she warned.

She stressed that it is part of the reasons any court system must have the means to cater for its people. From

The CJ declared that judicial independence must be respected and decisions implemented without sounding like the judiciary should be immune from criticism of its decisions or should be shielded from public debate.

For the judiciary to properly perform its role, it needs to be afforded a proper degree of respect and confidence by other arms of the government, he said, adding that it calls for a constitutional understanding of the role of an independent Judiciary.

Towards ensuring speedy dispensation of justice in the state, the CJ said that the state judiciary is in the process of establishing a Small Claims Court with training of Magistrates, even as their civil jurisdiction has already been increased to make it possible for them to handle such matters efficiently.