Kogiflame
A new Magistrate’s Court, which is
also designated to handle electrical theft matters, has been commissioned in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, by the Chief of the Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Josiah Majebi.
The designation of the new court followed an application made by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of the state, Muizudeen Abdullah, SAN, pursuant to the provisions of Section 117 of the Electricity Regulation Law of Kogi State.
The application was granted and the order made at the commissioning of the Court yesterday by the Chief Judge.
The new court labeled as Chief Magistrate’s Court VII, would be saddled with the responsibility of also trying electrical theft and other related offences in addition to it’s magisterial jurisdiction.
As part of the state Judiciary’s conscious efforts at taking courts to the doorsteps of the people of the state, the new court is located around Phase II, one of the densely populated areas of the Lokoja metropolis.
The unprecedented stride received the commendations of the state through the A-G who praised the CJ for the initiative at the unveiling ceremony.
In his address at the inauguration, Justice Majebi who insisted on magisterial competence, reiterated the determination of the judiciary to ensure Justice is delivered at the level of the Magistrates’ Courts effectively. He said Magistrates were currently being encouraged by the state government and the gesture demands that they reciprocate with dedication, diligence and conscientious delivery of justice in the state.
He said as the state’s Council of Judges’ resolve to continue improving all facets of justice administration in the state continues to enjoy the backing of the Chief Servant of the state, Governor Ahmed Ododo, ethical and professional responses must dictate affairs at all tiers of judicial administration in the state with particular attention to punctuality and competence especially at the lower courts.
While stating that the judiciary had no room for indolence, he further charged Judges at lower courts on productive attitude towards discharging duties hinting that disciplinary measures would be taken against any erring judge. This is even as he said that he has received reports from community heads on the functionality or otherwise of courts located in their areas. It would be intolerable to have courts exist only in physical buildings due to the absence of Judges thereby affecting return of cases and revenue generation he warned.
Citing observations from recent deployment of Magistrates across the state, the CJ revealed that the exercise was already helping in shaping sustainable progress at the magisterial level and maintained that Magistrates were posted based on their performances.
The CJ who said the new court was a pride of the Judiciary, said it was as well in line with his prioritizing workers’ welfare as the court would provide conducive working environment for staff because
upon assumption of office as Chief judge, he discovered the need for decongestion of courts and offices and have been dedicated to that.
He added that some courts in the state capital were already undergoing structural renovations courtesy of the state government. This is as a realization by the government that environmental comfort enhances productivity and efficiency of Judicial Officers and staff of the judiciary he said.
He appreciated the A-G for being result-oriented in liaising with the government on judiciary matters giving example of the quick implementation of the new minimum wage for judiciary workers contrary to the experience of the past which took more than a year before the earlier wage was implemented.
While warning Judicial Officers and other workers to desist from spreading unverifiable information capable of demeaning the judiciary, he said he was aware of the initial criticisms that trailed his administration that later turned out to be criticisms made in ignorance and error.
He concluded that rather than emphasize on seniority and length of service, Magistrates should be concerned with having good profile of quality service. He said the pioneer Magistrate of the court, Magistrate Abedo Ajagun Josephine, who he eulogized for her diligence, perseverance and commitment in addition to being a good ambassador of the judiciary in places where she had served in the past, was picked on merit. He said the institution was keeping tab on each Magistrate and would reward each accordingly.
Meanwhile, the A-G commended the CJ for locating courts closer to people in the state on behalf of the state government.
He said courts were hitherto centrally located in the state capital, but the CJ has succeeded in decentralizing them within the two years of his administration, thereby making justice cheaper and accessible to people.
With the number of new courts already opened in Phases I and II of the Lokoja metropolis, it is evident that the CJ is working on locating courts even at the outskirts of the state capital like Zango and Shetima areas, said the AG.
He said it’s a good and welcomed initiative that is primarily desired by the state governor as it aims at bringing justice closer to the people.
Declaring the new court a sacred temple of justice, the A-G charged the court’s pioneer Magistrate on keeping the court sacred by sanctifying its environment as a temple of justice.
In reference to his application, he expressed delight that his application, subject to Section 117 of the Kogi State Electricity Regulation Law, was granted and advised Magistrates to imbibe the spirit of patience which he said pays with greater rewards at the long run.
While also asking them to work along the CJ’s vision for the judiciary, he prayed for the CJ and the institution. He disclosed lastl that the governor was happy with the judiciary and would continue to support it to grow.
