Ekiti State Government has presented forty Ford cars to magistrates in the State as part of steps to improve their conditions of service.
Handing out keys of the cars to the magistrates at the premises of the state High Court complex, Ado- Ekiti on Wednesday, the State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi said there are enormous challenges ahead of the judiciary, adding that efforts must be made to protect the integrity of that arm of government so that their work will measure up to the expectations of the citizenry.
The Governor added that it will become more difficult to expect the magistracy to perform optimally and act on some of the outcomes of the retreat held for them in Ikogosi recently if proper attention was not paid to their welfare.
Fayemi who opined that the cars would be of great use to the magistrates, especially those who reside outside the state; He urged them to reciprocate Government’s gesture through improved efficiency and increased access to justice by the ordinary citizens.
He stressed that the Magistracy occupies a central position in the administration of justice to the people as most law suits end up before them; saying that government must ensure that that segment of administration of justice is attended to comprehensively and adequately.
The Chief Magistrate in the state, Mr Adesoji Adegboye was the first to receive the keys to his car, followed by others.
Earlier, the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Ayodeji Daramola had expressed gratitude to the State Government for providing the vehicles despite the paucity of fund in the State.
He said the gesture underscores the importance placed on the judiciary by the Dr Kayode Fayemi administration.
Last modified: July 17, 2013