L-R: Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekiti State, Mr. Dayo Akinlaja (SAN); State Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola; Governor Kayode Fayemi; and Speaker, State House of Assembly, Dr. Adewale Omirin, during a Church Service Marking the Opening of the State's 2012/2013 Legal, in Ado-Ekiti.
As another legal year begins in Ekiti State, the State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has scored the State Judiciary high in the dispensation of justice in the last legal year.
The Governor gave the commendation Friday, in Ado Ekiti at a special service marking the beginning of the 2012-2013 legal year held at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel; saying that the judiciary has been dispensing justice fairly, freely and without hindrance or influence.
Dr Fayemi said some of the cases lost by the State Government at the State High Court are evidence that the Judiciary had operated without any influence and shows the competence of the Bench.
He said his administration believes in the rule of law and has therefore prioritize the independence of the judiciary; adding that the law also delineates the roles of the three arms of government to avoid interference.
The Governor stated that it is however necessary that the three arms cooperate on issues bothering on the administration of justice as shown in the on-going justice sector reform which cuts across the three arms of government, security agencies and the public.
Fayemi added that the cooperation between the three arms of government in Ekiti state has produced the civil procedure and the new laws of Ekiti State which ended the State’s appendage to Ondo State, stressing that these are already expediting the dispensation of justice in the State.
He however said that the state government would still continue its collaboration with the judiciary in providing a befitting Court complex and the establishment of a Customary Court of Appeal.
In his speech, the Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola said the State is already witnessing an improved and efficient service delivery in justice sector following the implementation of the new laws and the civil procedures as well as the appointment of more judges into the State judiciary bench.
While assuring staff of the State Judiciary of more benefits and pay, the Chief Judge urged them to always toe the line of dialogue and refrain from “incessant strike actions” while pressing home their demands.
Daramola said strike actions are meant to be used as last resort and “not as an incessant tool of intimidation”, adding that government is trying to meet their demands within its meagre resources.
Last modified: November 5, 2012
