From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, has lamented that judges are suffering because of the effect of lack of self-reliance by Nigerians.
To this effect, he suggested, that rather than build more courts, build more prisons or appoint more judges, the federal government should construct more schools and make the nation self-reliant.
“The nation is not self-reliant. If the nation is self-reliant, the work of the judges will be reduced. But if we are not self-reliant, of course you’ll create the kind of problems that multiply work for the judges. The judges have no lives of their own. They are suffering, I can tell you.
“We cannot proceed on the premise that we should build more courts or build more prisons or appoint more judges. No. The proper approach is to build more schools, make the nation self-reliant. The nation is not self-reliant. If the nation is self-reliant, the work of the judges will be reduced,” he cried.
In his lecture, titled: “The Importance of Judicial Infrastructure to Adjudication” the Minister of Works, Engineer Nweze Dave Umahi, stated that improved accessibility to justice system through judicial infrastructure digitalisation was an administrative imperative of government at all levels.
He pointed out that improved access roads, court rooms/judicial quarters, power supply, electronic infrastructure will reduce delays in adjudication; promote qualitative and quantitative judicial productivity and ultimately improve justice delivery system.
“The availability of the needed judicial infrastructure catalyses equal and free access to justice as well as the speedy dispensation of justice. Infrastructure speaks a lot about enhancing judicial productivity, both qualitatively and quantitatively, as it makes justice delivery system accessible, cost effective, transparent, and accountable,” he said
The former minister, however, praised the resilience of judicial officers in Nigeria and the profoundness of their adjudication despite inherent challenges. He reeled out the decisive steps taken by the Renewed Hope administration aimed at tackling the accumulated judicial infrastructure deficits, including the provision of enduring access roads nationwide, modern court structures, increased power supply, other electronic infrastructure and judicial welfare being made available to enhance the operational efficiency of the judiciary.
“The Renewed Hope agenda of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is anchored on a transformational policy thrust aimed at revolutionising the critical infrastructure that will stimulate socio-economic development. The infrastructure necessary to ensure delivery of justice and effective adjudication are a part of the policy thrust of Mr. President.
“Mr. president’s efforts to enhance the operational efficiency of the judiciary through housing programmes, enhanced welfare package for the judicial officers; creation of enduring road infrastructure, investment in power and digital infrastructure should be commended. All these efforts will have a multiplier effect on the outcome of adjudication as it guarantees accelerated leaning, reduces cost of justice delivery and promotes the independence of the judiciary.” he said.