Judgments should be commensurate with offences, Ajimobi charges justices

GOVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state has urged justices in the country to ensure their judgments are commensurate with the offenses adjudicated upon.

Ajimobi made this call at Governor’s office on Monday when the National Executive Council of the Magistrate Association of Nigeria visited.

Ajimobi, represented by his deputy, Mr Moses Adeyemo, premised this call for fair judgment on instances of the award of long-term sentences for offenses perceived as minor as against short-term sentences for criminal offenses.

He further harped on the need for the courts to dispense with cases more speedily, as well the need for the judicial system to see to the continued use of longhand to write judgments.

In further remarks, Ajimobi advocated for special remuneration for magistrates to effectively carry out their duties, while harping on the need for judges to ensure that the common man is served fair justice, at all times.

National President, Magistrate Association of Nigeria, Mr Safiyanu Umar called on state governments to further promote the welfare and wellbeing of magistrates.

He specially requested the Oyo State government to provide magistrates with vehicles, official quarters and improve upon their allowances.

Umar hinted that magistrate courts in Oyo state entertained the highest number of cases after Lagos state.

He assured of judges flair for professionalism in discharging their duties.