LAGOS REITERATES COMMITMENT TO PROFESSIONALISM, PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN MAGISTRACY

The Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Opeyemi Oke has reiterated that the present administration will continue to instil public confidence in its judicial institutions while working towards attaining and maintaining the goal of an efficient administration of justice culture in the State.

CHIEF JUDGE OF LAGOS STATE WITH HONOURABLE JUDGES AND MAGISTRATES AT THE ANNUAL RETREAT HELD IN DUBAI RECENTLY

Speaking at the commencement of a 12-Day annual magistrate retreat of the Lagos State Judiciary in Dubai, United Arab Emirate, Oke stated that one of the numerous ways the State Government hopes to instil public confidence is by exposing magistrates to international best practices in other climes and sharpening their skills to attain excellence in the State Judiciary.

She maintained that the strategic role and importance of the Magistracy in the effective administration of justice cannot be underplayed considering their closeness to the grassroots.

According to her, “You form the bulk of judicial officers in the State. You handle the bulk of matters affecting the general public; indeed, for most, you are the first contact the public has with the court system.”

The Chief Judge added that the retreat is a demonstration that the present administration in the State recognizes and appreciates the pivotal role of Magistrates in the administration of justice, stressing that continuing legal education will hone their skills, make them think outside the box and also see other possibilities in different countries.

Speaking further, she disclosed that efforts are ongoing to ensure that the various needs of magistrates across the State are given the needed attention, pointing out that in less than a year after she assumed office, several courts have been renovated in addition to the various welfare packages for legal officers among others.

While affirming that a lot has been done so far, Justice Oke admonished the magistrates to hold themselves to a high standard of efficient service delivery by joining hands with her in building a model judiciary that will be pride for the State.