…. Challenges Judiciary to embrace modern systems
By Dayo Omoogun
President Muhammadu Buhari has once again called on the Judiciary to speed up the process of establishing special courts as a means of fast tracking the dispensation of justice. He was speaking while declaring open the 2019 All Nigeria Judges Conference of Superior Courts which held Monday in Abuja.
” I will advise that the conference should, in its deliberations, consider how to create an efficient structure for the proposed special Crime Courts or the urgent designation of existing courts as Special Courts with competent and credible judicial officers in order to remove administrative bottlenecks in the judicial process. “
While recounting the efforts his administration has made towards reforming the Judiciary as well as the supportive role of the Executive, he recommended further reforms to meet the needs of the nation.
“The government has been committed to a number of justice sector reforms such as review of extant laws and enactment of new laws that will improve the lives of Nigerians.
Additionally, we have worked closely with the Chief Justice of Nigeria to ensure that judicial budgetary allocations are enhanced in view of the needs of the judiciary. I have strongly supported the increase in number of judges at High Courts, Appeal Courts and the Supreme Court.
Nevertheless, delay in justice delivery as well as the volume of cases on the dockets of courts still leaves much to be desired. Urgent reforms therefore remain imperative in the light of these challenges.”
He went on to expressly challenge the arm of government to embrace modern systems.” It is time for the judiciary to adopt modern case management systems, initiate more expeditious case tracking and disposal systems and provide reward mechanisms for judges who maintain highest levels of integrity and efficiency “
He expressed hope that the signing into law of both the Administration of Criminal Justice Act2015 and the Correctional Services Act 2019, the judges will ensure effective implementatation in order to deal with such issues as delayed justice dispensation, prison congestion, awaiting trial inmates and noncustodial measures.
Buhari thanked the Judiciary for their cooperation while asking that the attitude be maintained.