Onnoghen Promises to Address Infrastructure Needs of Lower Courts

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, on Monday promised to address issues of infrastructure and welfare hampering the smooth dispensation of justice at the lower courts across the country.

Onnoghen told staff of the lower courts that the leadership of the judiciary was not ignorant of their plights and that efforts were been made to turn things around as well as sustain the peoples confidence in the judiciary.

The CJN, who was represented by a Justice of the Supreme Court (JSC), Olu Ariwoola, spoke yesterday at a national workshop for judges, directors and inspectors of Area, Sharia and Customary Courts at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), complex in Abuja.
He, said:, “We cannot behave like the proverbial ostrich and hide away from the fact that there are major issues plaguing the lower courts.

“I am aware that these courts have poor infrastructure and can be very uncomfortable to sit in for long period of time. Bathroom facilities are nonexistent, stationary and basic office equipment are also not available and welfare is generally considered inadequate.

He, however, admonished judicial officers to work against negative perceptions as it would be a great disservice to the judicial arm of government if any court user, based on experience, gains negative perceptions.

While speaking on some of the lapses peculiar with the lower courts the CJN however urged the judicial officers to be punctual, dedicated, hardworking and just.

Onnoghen said the theme of the workshop:, “Enhancing Administration of Justice in the Area, Sharia/Customary Courts” is appropriate taking into consideration the issues at hand, especially where access to justice begins largely in the lower courts.

He admitted that people feel more comfortable bringing their disputes and grievances before the Area, Sharia and Customary Courts to be adjudicated upon which he said is a testament to their belief in these courts, being closer to them.

“You are usually the first point of contact the public has with courts. This negative perceptions can only be redressed when we act according to the dictates of the law, ethics and our conscience”, he said.

He explained that while people expect these courts to hear their cases fairly, speedily and dispense justice without fear, favour, affection or ill-will, court users would constantly expect higher service and effectiveness therefore past solutions and performances cannot be relied upon to meet challenges.

The CJN added that concerted efforts had been made to put in place new laws, practices and strategies to surmount challenges clogging wheels of administration of justice in the country, adding that the courts must adapt to the growing complexity and number of cases by adopting information technology solutions and a strong reading culture.