Concerned by the seeming delay in justice delivery in Lagos State and the need to provide for greater synergy, transparency, and cooperation among the stakeholders in the judicial system, a two-day event dubbed, “The Strategic Stakeholders Meeting” was put in place by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.
The event that took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel, GRA, Ikeja on Wednesday, was declared open by the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat who applauded the meeting as being very important and timely.
The Deputy Governor stated that it is important that the Ministry is putting the programme together as the state government is committed to building a more responsive, inclusive, and efficient justice system for the overall good of all Lagosians irrespective of race, religion, or ethnicity.
Hamza, while noting the complexity in the dispensation of justice, with its multifaceted character that involves various institutions, systems, and individuals, called on the judiciary to always ensure promptness, fairness, impartiality, and accountability. He stated that there are a plethora of cases in courts, where urgent decisions are required.
Specifically, the Deputy Governor lamented the delay in the dispense of justice citing the rape and murder case involving a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Driver and a lady, which has gone on over a year, yet the case is still ongoing; thereby calling on participants at the meeting to endeavour to critically look at the judicial processes in Lagos and find a lasting solution that will address the shortcomings.
Speaking further, he opined that the difference between African countries and Developed countries is the Rule of Law and Science and Technology, adding that it is interesting that the rule of law is becoming a subset of technology and science as the two are now changing our lives whether we like it or not. But we must get the rule of law working
He said that the biggest challenges we are having in the country are our inability to manage our lands and physical planning laws. As such, lawyers and judges must be well versed in land laws to protect our lands and do proper physical planning for posterity and the future of our children and generations yet unborn. He stressed that the sustainability of the state and collaboration with other stakeholders is very important.
He therefore urged legal practitioners to come up with laws that will safeguard the land from looming threats. “There is the need for everyone to come together as a people to look at the terrestrial threat to our survival, to protect our state, and change our laws, and this must be known by our lawyers and judges,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro disclosed that the meeting which was a product of the insightful discussion had during the Lagos Justice summit held earlier in the year, aims to provide a unique opportunity for stakeholders to take a deliberate step towards aligning efforts to ensure seamless service delivery and enhanced governance across judicial institutions.
“We are gathered here because we share a common purpose: the pursuit of justice and the wellbeing of our society. As you know, Lagos State remains committed to the rule of law, accountability, and good governance. However, delivery of justice is not the responsibility of a single institution- it requires collaborative efforts from all arms of government, law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, and the community at large”, he said.
He added that the meeting will also focus on developing a process to enhance coordination between law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Justice in Lagos State, particularly in the area of prosecution of State offences where security agencies are deemed to have general fiat of the Attorney-General.
Speaking further, Pedro highlighted the many areas of concern that the stakeholders will address during the two-day meeting. These include Law enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice, Meeting with stakeholders in Chieftaincy Matters and Local Government Administration, Stakeholders in the Environment, and Physical Planning.
“Besides, this meeting, apart from addressing conflicts and delays in judicial processes, will also address how to cut down government litigations in court, so that the justice delivery system does not get dogged further, with avoidable cases. The meeting will also give room for questions and answers. It won’t be talking alone, but frankly discussing all issues affecting our people and the government, said the Attorney-General.
