COVID-19 shouldn’t halt justice system, Sanwo-Olu charges judicial officers
As Lagos appoints 8 high court judges
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has charged members of the judiciary to keep the wheel of justice administration turning following the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, by embracing technology in the dispensation of justice.
This was the charge by the governor to the newly-appointed judges of the state high court of Lagos on Tuesday.
READ ALSO: Sanwo-olu swears in 8 new judges
The eight judges took the oath before the governor and members of the state’s cabinet at a ceremony held in the executive council chamber, State House, Alausa.
Sanwo-Olu said the continuity of judicial services in the period of public health emergency, remains vital to boosting people’s confidence in the administration of justice system and to ensure adequate enforcement of regulations initiated to stop the spread of the pandemic.
He said: “This chamber we are holding the swearing-in has just been opened for the first time in the last two months. This is the reality of the global coronavirus pandemic, which has evolved new culture in our interactions at homes and offices.
“In this period of public health emergency, we need the judiciary to keep the wheel of the justice system moving. The administration of justice system must not be halted because of the health crisis.
“Our judiciary should fully adapt to the evolving culture and be at the services of those who seek redress and justice at the court.
“I have no doubt that the Lagos state judiciary, under the leadership of Justice Kazeem Alogba, will be an arm of government that we can continue to rely on as a partner in boosting people’s confidence in government and justice system.”
Sanwo-Olu said judges earned their nominations and appointments to the high court of the state based on their sterling credentials and experience in the respective areas of engagement.
The governor charged the judges to dispense justice without fear or favour, advising them not to soil their hard-earned reputation in the course of discharging their duties.
He said: “Having gone through your resumes, I know you have all distinguished yourselves in the legal profession and we expect you are bringing your years of experience and service. We are convinced this journey would raise the standard of our judicial service.
“I congratulate our newly sworn-in justices and we believe you all have what it takes to be fair and equitable in the dispensation of justice to our citizens.
“By being sworn in as judges, you have brought honour to your family names. However, you must ensure that your names are not tarnished in the course of discharging your duty.”
State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), described the event as special in the evolution of the judiciary in the state, adding that the quality of the appointed judges will be brought to bear in fast-tracking the administration of justice system.
The judges sworn-in by Gov. Sanwo-Olu are Justice Dorcas Olatokun, Justice Yahqub Oshoala, Justice Omotola Oguntade, Justice Olufunke Sule-Amzat, Justice Rasul Olukolu, Justice Sharafa Olaitan, Justice Ezekiel Ashade and Justice Adeniyi Pokanu.
