Judiciary Correspondents Honour Lagos AG, Akintola, Ogwemoh, Ojo, Others

The National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), has honoured the Lagos State Attorney-General, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN, Mr. Sylva Ogwemoh, SAN, Mr. Gbenga Ojo, a senior Lecturer at the Lagos State University (LASU) Faculty of Law, a veteran Journalist, Mr. Richard Akinnola, and a Lagos based legal practitioner, Mr. Ojay Akinwale, with an Exemplary Leadership Award.

The Association honoured the awardees, for their exemplary leadership and contribution to the development of Nigeria's justice system.

The NAJUC award, was presented to the awardees, during the 2018 NAJUC Annual Lecture held in Lagos.

The Lecture with the theme: ‘The Role of Judiciary, Media in the 2019 Election’, was delivered by a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipeku, SAN.

Speaking during the presentation of the award, Ojo, whose recognition was

majorly for his numerous publications and research works, thanked NAJUC for recognising his efforts at developing various aspects of Nigeria's justice system, through research work and publications.

Ojo has written and published over 35 Law books, which are presently being used by various tertiary institutions, locally and internationally.

His research works, are also regular feature in leading law publications.

Apart from teaching law, Ojo has also served as Facilitator for various induction training for new Judges and Magistrates, in some States across the country.

"I am really grateful to Journalists covering the courts, for recognising my little efforts in ensuring that our legal system is enriched through research work and publications. This award, will certainly motivate me to do more", he said.

Ojo had in his contribution during the NAJUC Annual Lecture, recommended the establishment of a standing Electoral Commission, to handle electoral disputes both pre and post elections, in order to insulate the Judiciary from the polluted water of politics in Nigeria.

"Retired Justices of Supreme Court, with proven integrity and International Arbitrators, should be members of the Commission. To avoid over bearance of the Government, the CJN should be given the power to constitute the membership of the Commission.

"The other alternative, will be to let the disputes be settled by Arbitration, with Arbitrators of international reputation and outstanding Professors of Law with skill in Arbitration, though a standing commission appears more functional.

"The image of Judiciary, has been so bastardised that, it is affecting the confidence of the public. There is need to insulate the Judiciary from all this", he said.