Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed the commitment of the Executive arm of government to upholding the rule of law and advancing judicial reforms in the State.
Sanwo-Olu stated this today at the Mosque Prayer to Mark the Commencement of the 2024/2025 New Legal Year, held at the Lagos Central Mosque, Lagos Island, said the government recognizes the critical role of the judiciary in maintaining justice and order, and the government is committed to supporting and strengthening it in every way possible.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat emphasized that the Executive arm remains steadfast in its support and will continue to collaborate closely with the judiciary to ensure justice is delivered swiftly and fairly.
“It is our candid view that the judicial arm of government holds a vital responsibility in interpreting the laws, adjudicating civil and criminal matters, and providing mechanisms for alternative dispute resolution.” He said hard work has sustained the integrity of the legal system, ensuring that the Lagos State Judiciary remains a beacon of hope for our citizens.
The Governor admonished all arms of government to work hand in hand to ensure that the judiciary remains a pillar of justice and hope for all citizens of Lagos State.
Speaking further, the Governor, noted that the judiciary has undertaken significant reforms to strengthen the legal system in Lagos, which include the establishment of the Small Claims Court, the Special Offences and Sexual Offences Courts, and the introduction of e-probate services.
In addition to this reforms, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the state judiciary has embarked on construction project to boost its performance. Some of the project include the Commercial Court in Tapa which is now 90% complete and will soon provide a specialized venue for handling the growing number of commercial disputes in Lagos State.
He added that the ongoing review of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, along with the digitalization of court processes, has also greatly enhanced the efficiency and accessibility of justice through innovations like remote court sittings and e-filing.
In his lecture titled “Exploring the Roles of the Judiciary in Revitalizing Nigeria’s Economy through an Islamic lens” Sheikh Imran Abdul Majeer Elha, noted the judicial career is a divine calling, and a career approved by Allah, paralleling it to the noble role of prophets who served as intermediaries between the people, as such, the profession demands utmost fairness, integrity, and dedication.
According to Sheikh Imran, on the last day, the sun will be brought closer to people thereby causing serious discomfort, Allah will command shadow to be on only those who judge rightly.
He classified judges into three: Righteous judges who render fair and just verdicts; Ignorant judges who make uninformed decisions, and Corrupt judges who intentionally manipulate judgments, either through compromise or external pressure. He emphasized that only the first group, the righteous judges, will go to heaven, in contrast, the second and third groups, including those who judge ignorantly or under duress, will be condemned.
Sheikh Imran noted that injustice amongst the citizens, such as the usage of an imbalance scale is also a form of injustice, and must be avoided as such people will suffer three punishments from Allah, namely; hunger, cost of goods with unnecessarily high, and bad leaders. He opined that the three punishments are the major problem we are experiencing in Nigeria
Similarly, in his lecture, titled “Justice as a Catalyst for Economic Recovery and Political Stability in Nigeria”, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Rahman Lawal emphasized that Allah strongly condemns injustice, having ordained it haram (forbidden) among people, and instead commands justice, fairness, and compassion in all human interactions
Sheikh Lawal added that delayed justice is also a form of injustice, stating that “all those who aid injustice will be in total darkness on the last day. Government must take care of price control and enforce it across the country. adding that “With a seamless price control across the nation the economy will be stable and the issue of immigration to Lagos will reduce,” said the cleric
The Sheikh stressed that justice must be equitable not comprising religion or tribe, in the same vein, he added that justice delivery must be without fear and favour.
He therefore urged all other stakeholders involved in the litigation process, he added that the police, loggers, those who file the documents must all be fair as the judge only makes his/her judgment on facts presented on the case files and also prayed for the spirit of discernment, Allah’s guidance for the judges in the course of their duties.
In his vote of thanks, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba promised that all admonitions will be taken to heart. He added the judiciary will continue to do their best in upholding justice in the state.
Justice Alogba used the medium to thank and commend the state governor and deputy governor as well as other arms of government for their support for the judiciary. He therefore offered prayers for the president to succeed.
