Fashola Decries NJC's Decision On Judges Appointment

Fashola Decries NJC's Decision On Judges Appointment

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), yesterday described as unfortunately the decision of the National Judicial Commission (NJC) not to approve the seven names submitted to the commission for consideration as judges.

According to the governor states and not the Federal should determine the number of judges needed in a State, as the responsibility of providing all the facilities needed bythe judges lies with the State.

Fashola, who stated this during the swearing-in ceremony of new judges into the state judiciary, pointing out that the state submitted seven names for consideration as judges and out of which only these four were approved.

He also lamented the number of judges in Lagos Judiciary (now 54 ), adding that for a state like Lagos with 20 million people, more judges are needed.

Fashola compared the state with the state of New York in United States of America which has a population of over 19million and over 3000 judges.

He said "the constitution does not empower the NJC to determine the number of judges in a state, adding that Lagos State is financially capable of taking care of any number of judges it desire,".

The new Judges, who were sworn in atthe Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, included, Honourable Justice Iyabo Olamide Akinkugbe, Honourable JusticeSerifat Iyabode Sonaike, Honourable Justice Abisoye Jubril Bashua andHonourable Justice Abdulfattah Molawale Lawal.

The governor advised the new judges to be above board because they have chosen a very sensitive role to perform and hence the responsibility of performing this role without been biased lies on them.

He also advised the judges to improve their knowlegde of the law.

"We expect superhuman conduct from you judges. You must be above suspicion and should not be biased. Judges should be incorruptible and courageous," he said.

Fashola further stated that new High Court buildings have been completed in Epe and Badagry divisions so as to ease the stress of coming to Ikeja for court matters.

He said the issue of corruption in the state's judiciary is now a thing of the past, adding that in the last 16years, 'issues of corruption in the Lagos judiciary are no longer there. There is no corrupt judge in Lagos judiciary.'

In her remarks at the event, the Chief Judgeof the State, Hon. Justice Funmilayo Atilade, said the ceremony was the climax of an appointment process during which the judges were found to be suitably qualified for the appointment.

Welcoming the new Judges to the fold, the Chief Judge charged them to be to be disciplined, focused, incorruptible, diligent and committed to their duties.

Earlier,in his welcome address the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mr.Ade Ipaye described the Judiciary as an indispensable arm of the government without which society soon becomes ungovernable.

The Attorney-General noted that the appointments to the office of a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State are always awaited witheager expectation by both the legal professionals and the general public because of the title and distinction that attaches to the office, but more importantly, the role that judges play in civil society. 

 Responding on behalf of the other new Judges,Hon. Justice Iyabo Akinkugbe said they accept the appointment with the full realization of the responsibility imposed on them and assuring all that theywould not fail in their duties to the State and the Judiciary.

While thanking the Governor, the Chief Judge and the judiciary for having faith andconfidence in them, promised to serve with dignity.