Ondo Assembly to backs judiciary for effective judicial system
By Awodeyi Elizabeth
Ondo State House of Assembly has promised to back and collaborate with the judiciary to create an effective judicial system in the state .
The House Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions made the promise during an oversight function to the State High Court and the State Ministry of Justice in Akure.
The chairman of the Committee, Hon Steven Abitogun, said that a society where justice is not served often results in anarchy, stressed the need for a world-class justice system that works for everyone in the state.
The Committee commended the Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola, and his team for improving the judicial system in the state while assuring the legislature’s support in continually enhancing the system for the benefit of all, especially the common man.
The lawmakers requested that the management present documents of their budget performance to the Committee to enable the legislature to know and address challenges before the next budget.
On financial autonomy, the Committee assured that the House would partner with the judiciary to ensure it is financially independent in achieving its set goals.
According to the Committee, the observations raised by the Chief Judge and other senior judges during the visit, especially regarding financing the judiciary, are well noted. They called on the judiciary to ensure regular feedback for prompt attention.
Earlier, Chief Judge Justice Odusola appreciated the legislature for its support, noting that the judicial system of the state has improved, providing fair justice to individuals and ensuring that the rights of ordinary citizens are protected at all times.
However, the Chief Judge sought the Committee’s support for financial autonomy to help the judiciary perform optimally.
He explained that to retain greater public confidence, the judiciary must be independent of all forms of interference to maintain the highest levels of responsiveness, professional standards, and integrity.
While highlighting the challenges faced by the judiciary, including inadequate funding, he sought the intervention of the lawmakers in securing adequate funds and increasing the budgetary provision for a viable system.
At the Ministry of Justice, the Committee charged it to continue upholding the principles of the rule of law for the betterment of the citizens, emphasising the need to embrace modern-day innovations as seen in other countries
The lawmakers called for a symbolic relationship between the tiers of government to enact and review laws for further development.
Pledging support to the Ministry, the committee tasked the management with developing a robust budget proposal to achieve the set goals.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, who welcomed the committee, highlighted the Ministry’s reform agenda, which includes access to justice, justice sector reform, uniform law enforcement procedures, adherence to court orders and laws, and the implementation of laws concerning youth, children, women, and persons with disabilities, among others.
He, however, sought the support of the legislature to help surmount these challenges.
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