We’ll continue to prioritise welfare of judges - Ambode

The Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday promised that his administration would continue to give utmost priority to the welfare of serving and retired judges in the state to enable them continue to contribute well to the economic prosperity of the state.

Gov Ambode, who spoke when the outgoing Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, paid him a courtesy visit at the Lagos House in Ikeja, said his administration, on inception, in May 29, 2015, embarked upon reforms in the judiciary to improve on service delivery, noting that Lagos State has since become a reference point of how the judiciary should be run.

Saying that appreciable progress has been made by the judiciary in the last two years of his administration, the governor said that part of the reforms was to ensure that judges who retire after meritorious service to the state were comfortable after retirement.

“I am very particular about the welfare of judges. That is a very sacred institution that we must continue to ensure that even in retirement, there is so much for them to look back for the efforts they have made,” he said.

Ambode expressed satisfaction that relationship among the three arms of government had been “harmonious”, saying it has placed Lagos State on what he called a steady pedestal of prosperity.

Commending the efforts of Justice Atilade, who is expected to officially bow out as the Chief Judge of Lagos State on Sunday, September 24, Ambode expressed optimism that “the tradition which the Lagos judiciary is known for” would continue to hold sway long after her departure.