From Audu Joe, Lokoja
The Acting Chief Judge of Kogi, Justice Richard Olorunfemi, has cautioned Judicial Officers in the state to resist the temptation of sharp practices in discharging their constitutional duties.
The CJ, yesterday, strongly warned against inducement of judicial officers in whatever form.
Olorunfemi issued the warning at the inauguration of an Area Court in Adumu community, Itobe District of Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi
He said courts should be allowed to dispense justice to the people without undue influence, to ensure that justice was not only done, but is seen to have been done.
“The Court is synonymous with development. Court is synonymous with the presence of government and as far as we are concerned, court also brings justice closer to the people,” he stated.
Olorunfemi therefore, urged Adumu community to sustain the course of justice in the area by ensuring that the court, its supporting staff and premises, were secured and properly maintained for efficient dispensation of justice.
The Acting Chief Judge also urged judicial officers to dispense justice without fear or favour, just as he admonished them to always be guided by the constitution and fear of Almighty God.
He said the people of Itobe District should count themselves lucky for the establishment of a Magistrate Court and an Area Court in the area within six months.
In his remarks, Justice Yunusa Musa, a retiring judge of the High Court from the area, said the community had over the last 30 years, continued to request for the establishment of a court.
He noted that the realisation of the request in 2021 with the establishment of the two courts would no doubt bring justice closer to the community.
“We are grateful to the Acting Chief Judge for this rare gesture and we promised to provide security for the officials of the Area Court,” he said.
The traditional ruler of Adumu community, Dr Yunusa Ali, pledged the support and cooperation of his community in ensuring that the court and its officials were safe at all times.
End.