L-R: Ekiti State Acting Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola; Representative of the Speaker, House of Assembly, Mr. Ade Ajayi Governor Kayode Fayemi; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Dayo Akinlaja; and publisher, "The Laws of Ekiti State" Mr. Adeyemi Adefulu, during unveiling of the 1st edition of the State's laws, in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, March 9, 2012.
Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi on Friday appended his assent to a bill on the first edition of the laws of Ekiti State, a gesture that has finally freed the state from its fifteen year-long appendage to its sister state, Ondo State.
Signing the bill into law at the first Ekiti State Justice week held at the High Court premises in Ado Ekiti, on Friday, the Governor said the publication of the laws of the state was an important milestone in achieving certainty and predictability in the administration of justice in the state as the gesture would ease the stress of legal practitioners, students of law, academia and stakeholders in the justice sector who had to “sieve through the laws of old Ondo state to find the true position” of Ekiti laws.
Dr. Fayemi who stressed that his administration was committed to enabling a system of justice that was simpler, more efficient, more effective and more responsive to the needs of Ekiti people, said that the vision of the administration was to bring about a justice system that guarantees fair and equal access to justice.
The Governor said that the intervention of the Fayemi-led administration in the sector was based on four strategic priorities, namely law reform, crime, safety and security of the people, access to justice, and Human resource development.
“In addition to the publication of the laws of Ekiti State, we have supported the review of the civil procedure rules of Ekiti state initiated by the Ekiti state Judiciary. We are also proud of the enviable strides made by the Ekiti state House of Assembly especially by its passage of public impact legislation,” he said.
While noting that crime was a major concern for both government and the public, Fayemi said there was need to create a framework, not only for victim support, but also victim compensation; adding that government would continue to provide support to law enforcement agencies in bringing criminals to justice.
The Governor highlighted the intervention of his administration in relocating the old Ado Ekiti prisons to ease the problem of overcrowding while a sub committee of the state security council has been working on a systematic reduction of awaiting trial detainees by ensuring speedy trial of cases.
Speaking on broadening the scope of available opportunities for people to obtain remedies whenever their rights are violated, Fayemi said government was committed to strengthening access to justice by establishing the state Customary Court of Appeal before the end of the year as a means of ensuring speedy redress for those who are dissatisfied with decisions in our customary courts.
“This administration remains firmly committed to the rule of law. It cannot be otherwise considering that it is an administration midwife and sustained by institutions that embody the rule of law. We are committed to governance and justice without fear or favour and we are believing God that we will see the fruits of these efforts in this Land of Honour”.
In another related development, the Governor has inaugurated a ten-man committee for the administration of Justice Sector Reform.
Members of the committee include Mr. Wale Fapohunda, Dr. Ifedayo Akomolede, O.J Adeleke, Apuabi J.A, Dr (Mrs) Foluke Dada, the Onisan of Isan representing Traditional council, Chairman of Ado Ekiti branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, Commissioner of Police, Controller of Pricons in the State.
The committee is to advise on the adequacy of interventions in the justice sector with a view to advising on best practices and measures for achieving fairness and efficiency in the administration of justice.
Last modified: March 10, 2012