Ambode swears in three judges into Lagos State judiciary

Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State, on Wednesday swore in three new judges into the Lagos State judiciary.

The three new judges are: Mr Emmanuel Ogundare, Miss Sherifat Solebo and Mrs Idowu Alakija.

The judges are the first set of judicial officers sworn-in by the administration of Gov. Ambode.

“The Lagos State Judiciary is the most vibrant judiciary in the country and over the years has set a reputation for itself as a trailblazer across the country through erudite judgements. Judicial reforms have however not been stopped and the recommendations of the summit put together by the Ministry of Justice will be enforced,” Governor Ambode said.

He enjoined the new judges to be of good character and conduct.

“By this appointment, your conduct and carriage will now be subjected to public scrutiny, you must dispense justice without fear or favour,” the Governor said.

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade in her speech congratulated the newly appointed judges, noting that they were selected on merit by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

“I congratulate the three judges who were carefully selected on merit. Six individuals were sent to the NJC for approval but three had their appointment as judges approved.”

“I will like to thank the Governor for approving the exercise and all those who contributed to its success,” Atilade said.

“I commend the Lagos State judiciary for its productivity and I renew my pledge to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the NJC to appoint new judges into the Lagos State Judiciary.”

“Each judge in Lagos High Court have approximately 500 cases in their docket. The Chief Judge of Ekiti recently told me that the whole of Ekiti State had only 400 cases in their High Court.

“I urge Gov. Ambode to give more room for persons to serve in the High Court, our Magistrates are currently ‘top heavy’, with some Magistrates serving for twenty years. I hope they will be rewarded accordingly,” said Atilade