Unnecessary Adjournments Could Cost You Your Practice Licence, Lagos CJ Warns Lawyers
The Acting Chief Judge of the Lagos State Judiciary, Justice Opeyemi Oke, has warned lawyers in the State to henceforth, desist from requesting for unnecessary adjournments.
Justice Oke said any lawyer caught in such practice, would risk losing their practice licence.
The Acting Chief Judge gave this warning, at the 2017/2018 new legal year service held at the Anglican Church of Nigeria in Lagos, last week.
Justice Oke also warned members of the judiciary, that it would no longer be business as usual in the State, adding that judicial officers would now be mandated to sign an oath of secrecy, as a way of instilling discipline in the judiciary.
She stated that, all supporting staff of judges would henceforth, swear the oath of allegiance and secrecy.
“It would no longer be business as usual, because it is a new dawn for the judiciary. All members of the judiciary would from now be accountable for their actions and attitude.
“We the Lagos State Judiciary, are ready to work and we appeal to members of the Bar to help us. We say no, to unnecessary adjournments. This practice is not acceptable in Europe. We need to build a judiciary of our dreams.
“We will uphold the rule of law in interpreting laws; stamp out all forms of official corruption; make a speedy dispensation of justice.
“Our mission is to work towards a judiciary, that epitomises discipline, honesty, hardwork and integrity.
“I am also using this opportunity, to appeal to the members of the Bar, because we cannot achieve this alone.
“We need you in order to stop corruption, laziness and tardiness, because we want to work.
“We are not going to allow unnecessary adjournments, because there are certain things members of the Bar do here, that they won't dare do in Europe or America.
“Unnecessary adjournments will cost you your practicing licence. Lagos State judiciary is a role model, not only in Nigeria, but in Africa and the world at large.
“We have sworn an oath, and we have members who have not sworn to anything. We want to let them know that every member must swear to that oath and stand by it," she said.
Also speaking at the new Legal Year church service, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, restated his administration's commitment to continue to promote the rule of law.
“Let me use this opportunity, to re-state the commitment of this Administration to promote the rule of law and regenerate a new era of economic prosperity for our dear State.
“I am confident that under
the current leadership of the Acting Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Opeyemi Oke, the good people of Lagos State are assured of prompt and fair dispensation of justice, innovations and more reforms that will improve the administration of justice nationwide.
Ambode said Lagos State Judiciary since its creation in 1967, has continued to grow in leaps and bounds, adding that the volume of cases handled by the Judges and Magistrates, has necessitated the appointment of additional Judges and Magistrates with improved welfare and continuous infrastructural developments, to further enhance the quality of justice delivery in the State.
“The judicial arm of the government, remains the only and lasting beacon of hope, fairness, and justice to all citizens, while the legal profession has a vital role to play in promoting the cause of justice, protecting human rights and upholding professional standards. It is in fulfillment of our promises to advance the cause of justice, that the first DNA and Forensic Centre was commissioned to aid investigation and dispensation of justice.
“Though we are autonomous arms of the same Government, I must emphasise that our success as a Government, lies more in our interdependence and collaboration, which must be undertaken without hindering the independent discharge of our different functions. I assure you of my continuous support and partnership as the Judiciary discharges its statutory responsibilities", the Governor noted.
The Most Reverend Dr. Adebola Ademowo, the Diocesan Bishop of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, called on members of the judiciary to put God first.
“The appointment of judges, is traceable to God himself. God appointed judges like Deborah and Ehud, to rule over the affairs of Israel.
“I charge our Judges, to administer Justice without fear or favouritism. Your primary duty, is to discover the truth. You are adjudicators, umpires, and even interpreters of the law, and a lot of people are looking up to you.
“As legal luminaries, it is your duty to do your work without minding whose ox is gored," the Reverend said.