Frequent closure of courts, a security threat ― Fayemi

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi has said that the frequent closure of courtrooms is constituting a security threat in the state, noting that administration of justice must not in any way be hindered

Fayemi who lamented the closure of court during the COVID-19 lockdown, the #ENDSARS protest and the ongoing strike action by Judicial workers noted that the development has negatively affected the wheel of justice in the state.

The governor spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital on Monday while swearing-in Justice Oyewole Adeyeye as the acting Chief Judge for the state, following the retirement of Justice Ayodeji Daramola last week, calling on the new CJ to devise effective ways in addressing the situation.

According to the governor, “An issue that requires our collective focus is how to respond effectively to the now frequent closures of our courts. No doubt the COVID 19 pandemic, the #ENDSARS protests as well as the JUSUN strike had negative consequences on the administration of justice in this state.

“This is more so in the area of criminal justice. Given current concerns about security, we simply cannot afford a situation where persons accused of serious crimes cannot be speedily processed through the criminal justice system. The frequency of closure of our courts constitutes a threat to the security of this state. It is for this reason that I respectfully urge your lordship to enable practical solutions to ensure that the wheels of justice in our state continue to turn even during lockdowns of strike actions.”

He appealed to the judiciary to accord special attention to issues of rape and sexual assault, saying the plea became an expedient sequel to the flurry of rape and defilement-related cases flooding the courts in recent times.

The governor also called for the review of salaries and allowances of judicial workers to protect the sanctity of the judicary, saying he was jolted that the negotiations on judicial autonomy seem to have left out the issue of salaries and allowances of judicial officers.

Expressing disgust at the increasing spate of sexual assault cases in courts, Fayemi said, ” I am respectful of the opinion that our courts can and should go beyond the applicable law to consider the broader societal implications of its decisions in matters of sexual violence in this state. I strongly urge Your Lordships to review the rules and court procedures in a manner that will ensure the prioritisation and speedy consideration of matters of sexual violence.”

Fayemi regretted how the review of judicial staff salaries and allowances was neglected by the National Judicial Council and Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in their negotiations with the Federal and State governments.

“I am aware that between 1999 till date, the Federal Government reviewed the salaries and allowances of Public Servants and Political officeholders on four occasions specifically in 2000, 2005, 2007 and 2011.

“However, the salaries of judicial officers were only reviewed twice during the same period. As a result judicial officers have been on the same salary structure for more than 10 years. It may now be necessary for the NJC to provide leadership on possible renewed negotiations on this issue as part of a holistic discussion on judicial autonomy,” he stated.

Fayemi applauded and recognised the immense contributions of the retired Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola to the development of the justice sector in Ekiti State.

The governor stated that Justice Adeyeye is coming into office at a time when action must be braced up on how to implement the joint agreement on financial autonomy for the state judiciary between the State Government, the NJC and JUSUN.

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