Poor funding of judiciary: NBA tackles Makinde

The Nigerian Bar Association, Ibadan branch, has decried inadequate funding of the judiciary and non-functionality of Rent Tribunals as well as Customary Courts in the state.

Chairman of the branch, Mr Ibrahim Lawal, stated this when receiving the executives of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council, who paid a courtesy visit to his office on Saturday in Ibadan.

Lawal, who described the state of the judiciary in the state as unimpressive, said that the NBA executives had on several occasions appealed to Seyi Makinde to address the challenges facing the judiciary in the state, particularly the lower courts.

He said that the governor in the last seven years had failed to inaugurate the Presidents of the Grace C Customay Courts, stressing that these were the courts that brought justice to the people at the grassroots.

Lawal said that the Customary Courts and rent Tribunal Courts had not been functional in the state, adding that there may not be any economic development without strengthening its justice system.

According to him, the Grace C Customary Courts last operated during the administration of late Gov. Abiola Ajimobi and that it will be the joy of the NBA to see the state justice sector playing its role effectively.

“Some Magistrates in the state don’t have official vehicles. We have said this repeatedly and made several representations to the government to address it.

“It is unacceptable that a magistrate who sits in judgment over criminals has to board the same bus as those same individuals.

“It is equally troubling that a magistrate without a personal vehicle may have to accept a ride from someone who has a case before them.

“This compromises both dignity and independence.

“We use this opportunity to appeal to Gov. Seyi Makinde to urgently take action and address these challenges before leaving office.

“The condition of our courts is also deeply concerning, particularly the Magistrates’ and the state Customary Courts of Appeal.

“Many of them are in poor condition with no comfort for those working there.

“These judicial officers are our colleagues and deserve better treatment,” Lawal said. Punch