Bishop urges judges, magistrates to ensure fair, equitable justice

Diocesan Bishop of the Lagos Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev Humprehy Olumakaiye, on Monday challenged judges and magistrates to ensure fair and equitable dispensation of justice.

Olumakaiye, made the call at a prayer service to mark the beginning of the new 2019 to 2020 legal year of the state’s judiciary.

In his sermon, taken from the book of Exodus 23, verses one to six, the bishop reiterated the biblical provision which mandates Christians not to pervert justice meant for the poor, nor to collect bribes.

He said that just as God led the Israelites into the Promised Land and gave them the 10 commandment, so also has God given a code of conduct to all leaders.

He however, noted that when the Israelites obeyed the 10 commandments, God blessed them, but when they disobeyed same, they suffered the consequences of their disobedience, adding that “our courts administer the law, but God demands justice in righteousness. Righteousness and justice are key instruments of the law.”

He said that just as Nigeria has remained together through courage and fortitude, judicial officers must “let justice roll down like water, and righteousness like an over -flowing stream.

“Do not be part of lies; do not deny helping when needed even when they hate you; be on the part of justice and do not accept a bribe or you will be personally guilty of a wicked society.

“The solution to a messed up world starts with you and I; we should not only administer justice, but teach the citizens of their rights and duties by putting them on the part of justice and fairness.”

Olumakaiye bemoaned the spate of drug abuse by the youths, adding that righteousness and justice demand that employment be provided for the teeming youths.

According to him, to ensure peace, everybody must practice self -sacrifice and tolerate the views of others, adding that judicial officers are the link between government, the law and the people.