Bishop tasks judges, magistrates on integrity, fair, equitable justice

Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos and the Missioner, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Rt. Rev. Bamisebi Olumakaiye, has urged judges and magistrates to ensure a fair and equitable dispensation of justice.

He also enjoined the legal luminaries to be honest in thought, speech and action, uphold integrity and eschew the spirit of selfishness and greed in every ramification.

Olumakaiye gave the charge at a prayer service to mark the beginning of the new 2019 to 2020 Legal Year for the state judiciary held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Lagos.

According to him, our court administers the law, but God demands justice in righteousness.He said: “Righteousness and justice are key instruments of the law.

“Do not be part of lies; do not deny to help when needed even when they hate you; be on the part of justice, and do not accept a bribe or you will be personally guilty of a wicked society.

“The solution to a messed up world starts with you and I. We should not only administer justice, but teach the citizens of their rights and duties by putting them on the part of justice and fairness.”

Olumakaiye bemoaned the spate of drug abuse by the youths, adding that righteousness and justice demands that employment be provided for the youths.

According to him, to ensure peace, we must practise self-sacrifice and tolerate the views of others, adding that judicial officers are the link between government, the law and the people.He, therefore, urged judges and magistrates to see their profession as a ministry, and interpret their faith with their professional lives.

“Those who lack integrity hinder the progress of the society; we must not allow greed to infiltrate our thoughts even as we begin another legal year,” he said.