The Convener, Fight Against Corruption In Judiciary (FACIJ), Mr Bayo Akinlade, on Saturday called on the state governments and the judiciary to enhance infrastructural development at the lower courts.
Akinlade made the appeal in an interview with our correspondent while speaking on his expectations in the coming new legal year in Lagos.
He noted that the magistrate and customary courts were the courts closer to the people and should be made more conducive for people.
“In the coming new legal year, people would like to see improvement in the welfare of the magistrates and other workers in the lower courts like their counterparts at the high courts.
“There is a need for more infrastructural development at the lower courts to fast track justice delivery,” Akinlade said.
He called for an improvement in the salaries of the lower courts’ workers as well as career progression.
The FACIJ convener said that the judiciary would be expected to take its role in preparing for the 2023 elections.
“We are going into election next year, so the judiciary must be prepared in terms of infrastructure to enable it carryout its responsibility efficiently,” he said.
Akinlade said that the use of technology in the courtrooms such as virtual hearings should be encouraged in the coming new legal year.
He stated that the independence of the judiciary was paramount to enable the judiciary take responsibility in developing the sector.
Akinlade, therefore, urged government to give full financial autonomy to the judiciary.
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