Lawyers in Lagos have on Wednesday, reiterated the need for judicial autonomy as part of efforts in promoting the well being of judicial officers and true independence of the Judiciary.
The lawyers said that there had been repeated calls for better working conditions for judges and magistrates , adding that this can only be achieved by true judicial autonomy.
A constitutional lawyer, Mr. Spurgeon Ataene, said that the need for judicial autonomy cannot be over emphasized, as it is the only way for an effective justice system.
He bemoaned what he described as the “near penury” remuneration of judges in the country, adding that same cannot evolve the desired dedication on the bench.
“Judicial autonomy remains the panacea or cure for any form of interference from any sector, thus, government must not pay lip service to this all important concept.
“Judges and Magistrates sweat all day, writing proceedings in long hand, and so, they ought to be treated respectfully and responsibly.
“There must be proactive measures to put the judiciary in good shape and not just lip service, ” he said
According to him, poor remuneration of judges and magistrates could often trigger unnecessary anger from these benchers , which they take out on lawyers in court.
He noted that considering the nature and peculiarity of work executed by these judicial officers, there is no gainsaying the fact that they deserve the best treatment.
Besides, Ataene underscored the need for police orderly to serve as security for judges and magistrates, following the nature of judgement and proceedings they execute.
He suggested that the condition of service for judges and magistrates must now make clear provisions of security as these officers live and work in fear.
“At all times, the condition of service for judges and magistrates must as a matter of necessity, contain provision of security for them and their families.
“There are situations where magistrates or judges get attacked even in their homes, due to judgements they deliver and this makes them live in fear.
“One security man attached to a judge is not even enough to wade off onslaught of hoodlums, so, there must be heavy security in the courts, the routes they ply and even in their homes
“Although the situation of judges is fair in terms of security, but it is not enough,” he said
He, therefore, said that if these measures are put in place, it will help promote better working conditions for judicial officers in Nigeria.
In the same vein, The convener of the Duty Solicitors Network for the judiciary, Mr. Bayo Akinlade said that the issue of poor remuneration for the bench has been a bane on justice delivery.
He also reiterated a call for better wages for judicial officers so as to promote efficiency on the bench .
Besides, Akinlade noted that it is not enough to blame politicians for the woes of the judiciary, adding that the judiciary must now look inwards to remedy itself .
“We cannot over emphasize the urgent need to start paying magistrates and judges a fair wage.
“It is ridiculous that the judiciary saddled with the responsibility of ensuring balance and justice is starved of the much needed resources to carry out its constitutional responsibilities.
“We cannot continue to blame politicians or other arms of government for this problem.
“If the leadership of the judiciary and the legal profession cannot save the situation then we only have ourselves to blame,” he said
