Ambode promises legal reform, co-operation with judiciary

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has promised to reform the legal system as part of the ongoing reforms in the state.
Ambode, during a church service to commemorate the beginning of 2015/2016 Legal Year in Lagos yesterday, said the reforms were necessary to enhance quick dispensation of justice.

He said his administration in the last three months had embarked on a series of reforms, outcome of which the public would soon see.
Governor Ambode who spoke at the special church service held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, as part of activities heralding the commencement of the 2015/2016 Legal Year, reiterated the determination of his administration to partner with the state judiciary.

He described the Judiciary as the most veritable instrument for attaining growth and economic development in the state.
According to the him, I didn’t know that this is the first time a governor will be attending the service of New Legal Year in Lagos State. I just felt it was dutiful for me to be here.
“I sincerely congratulate you on the beginning of another Legal Year. Let me say that both the Executive and the Judiciary are partners in progress and I wish to restate my commitment to always support the Judiciary,” he said.

Diocesan Bishop of Lagos Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Dr. Adebola Ademowo, earlier acknowledged the governor as the first Executive Governor to grace the programme commemorating the beginning of a new legal year since inception.

Ademowo, who urged the governor not to relent in his efforts to move the state forward, prayed for peace in the state, expressing optimism that the state would witness development in the next four years.

In his sermon, the Lord Bishop of Badagry, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Rt. Revd. B.J. Adeyemi, stated that the grace to be a judge, magistrate and an advocate must not be taken for granted.
He admonished the judges, magistrates and advocates across the state to let the light of God shine as they dispense justice in all cases assigned to them.

Also speaking, an Islamic scholar and professor of History, Tajudeen Gbadamosi, charged the Judiciary not to frustrate President Muhammadu Buhari’s determination to wipe out corruption from the country.

He advised judges to be pro-active and carry out their duties with the fear of God without favour or bias to the people regardless of their class, political affiliation and status in the society.
Among those present at the service include the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Idayat Aderanti-Adebule, Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Funmilayo Atilade; eminent members of the Bar and Bench, among others.