insists financial autonomy is non negotiable
— Wants election matters resolved before swearing in
By Dayo Johnson Akure
The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, weekend declared that financial autonomy for the judiciary is non negotiable.
In a communique issued after, the NBA Akure, Branch seven day law week, held in the state capital, they declared that the “Judiciary is severely compromised by financial dependence on the Executive, undermining its ability to function impartially and effectively.
The Judiciary, they declared” lacks fiscal autonomy with the Executive withholding up to 60 70 per cent of their budgets, causing serious operational shortfalls and causing the Judiciary Head to constantly seek funds from the Executive. Thus, weakening independence and exposing Judges to political pressure.
“It is high time that the Judiciary must be severed from the apron-string of the Executive. They declared.
They called ” for the full implementation of the provisions of Section 121 (3) (c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
” The judiciary must be allowed to control its finances, amenities, and infrastructures, devoid of interference by the Executive.
According to the communique “The NBA Akure Branch has resolved to set up an Ad-Hoc Committee to interface with the Judiciary and the Executive to ensure the full implementation of full Judiciary autonomy in line with the Constitution.
On the rehabilitate and reintegrate ex-inmates back into society, “The NBA Akure Branch calls for the need for full implementation of the Correctional Service Act, 2019, with a conscious effort by all Stakeholders to rehabilitate and reintegrate ex-inmates back into society.
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“The NBA Akure Branch advocates for the need for the Ondo State Government to establish a department in charge of Correctional reforms and policies focusing more on funding, data, and proper monitoring of the rehabilitation and reintegration of Ex-Inmates.
They advocated that “more Half-Way Houses should be established and well-funded by the Ondo State Government, to prepare Ex-Inmates back into society. It is suggested that the Ondo State Government enter into Public-Private Partnerships for the reintegration of ex-inmates into society.
The communique suggested that “all Stakeholders should synergize and collaborate to develop data systems to track correctional outcomes and reform policies to improve accountability and resource allocation in line with international best practices.
“The NBA Akure Branch advocates that there is a compelling need for constant training and re-training of the Correctional Officers, the Police, and other Security Agencies to keep pace with the dynamic operation of the Correctional Services Act, 2019.
Other resolution reached include “the calls for limited judicial intervention in elections with greater emphasis on Executive and Legislative responsibility for electoral integrity without compromising justice.
They added that the Judiciary should not to be overburdened with election matters at the detriment of other regular matters to reduce congestion in Courts.
“It is suggested that election disputes should be resolved or determined before candidates are sworn into office.
” The Legislature should enact clearer and less ambiguous laws to address practical challenges and reduce loopholes exploited by politicians.
“The NBA Akure Branch advocates for the establishment of specialized Commercial Courts like those in Lagos and Rivers States to handle business or commercial disputes and deliver effective justice faster, thereby enhancing the flow of money in the State’s economy and business confidence for local and foreign investors.
“In addition, the NBA Akure Branch advocates for the need to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as part of contracts and other commercial documents. Not every dispute should end in litigation.
“The NBA Akure Branch has identified some of the challenges/constraints of access to justice in rural areas in Ondo State.
“These include insecurity, geographical isolation, language barrier, ignorance of the law, inadequate transportation, understaffed courts, infrastructural constraints such as bad roads and rural electrification, high cost of filing, corruption.
“The NBA Akure Branch reiterates that there is a need for sensitization of rural dwellers of their rights, including the right of free and prompt access to the court system.
They also advocated for “the need to revive and improve the Traditional Court systems in our rural areas.
The association reiterated that “to achieve a utilitarian Judiciary that will deliver the greatest good to the greatest number, there must be active collaboration of all the stakeholders; that is, the Judiciary, the Legislature, the Executive, civil society, the citizenry, and most importantly, the Bar.
Recall that Senator Bode Olajumoke, was honoured and decorated by the NBA Akure Branch as it’s Grand Patron for his tremendous contributions to the legal profession, public service, and philanthropy during the law week.He built and donated a Relaxation Centre for the association
Also, the Published of Vanguard Media Limited, Mr Amuka Pemu was equally honoured and decorated with the friend of the bar award.