Judicial officers to sign oat of secrecy ―Acting Chief Judge

THE Acting Chief Judge of the Lagos State Judiciary, Justice Opeyemi Oke on Monday revealed that Lagos State judicial officers would soon be mandated to sign an oath of secrecy.

She also warned members of the bar from requesting for unnecessary adjournments, adding that any lawyer caught in such practice would risk losing their practice license.

Justice Oke who said this at the new legal year service held at the Anglican Church of Nigeria in Lagos, warned members of the judiciary that it would no longer be business as usual.

The Acting CJ further stated that all supporting staff of judges would henceforth swear the oath of allegiance and secrecy.

“It would no longer be business as usual because it is a new dawn for the judiciary. All members of the judiciary would from now be accountable for their actions and attitude.

“We the Lagos State Judiciary are ready to work and we appeal to members of the bar to help us. We say no to unnecessary adjournments. This practice is not accepted in Europe. We need to build a judiciary of our dreams,” she said.

While stating her vision for the judiciary, the CJ said, “the vision of this administration is to create a truly independent and empowered branch of government by providing a fair and responsive system of justice committed to excellence.

“We would uphold the rule of law in interpreting laws; stamp out all forms of official corruption; make a speedy dispensation of justice.

“Our mission is to work towards a judiciary that epitomizes discipline, honesty, hard work and integrity.

“I am also using this opportunity to appeal to the members of the bar because we cannot achieve this alone.

“We need you in order to stop corruption, laziness and tardiness because we want to work.

“We are not going to allow unnecessary adjournments because there are certain things members of the bar do in here that they won’t dare do in Europe or America.

“Unnecessary adjournments will cost you your practising license. Lagos state judiciary is a role model not only in Nigeria but in Africa and the world at large.

“We have sworn an oath and we have members who have not sworn to anything. We want to let them know that every member must swear to that oath and stand by it.

Also speaking at the event the Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode praised the Lagos State Judiciary for continuously maintaining a high standard.

“The Lagos State Judiciary has earned an enviable status for its great integrity. The volume of cases has necessitated the appointment of additional judges.

“We should always remember that the judiciary remains the last hope of all citizens. The success of the judiciary lies in our interdepended. This administration has made a foundation for good governance,” Ambode added.

The Most Reverend Dr Adebola Ademowo, the Diocesan Bishop of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, called on members of the judiciary to put God first.

“The appointment of judges is traceable to God himself. God appointed judges like Deborah and Ehud to rule over the affairs of Israel.

“I charge our judges to administer Justice without fear or favoritism. Your primary duty is to discover the truth. You are adjudicators, umpires, and even interpreter of the law and a lot of people are looking up to you.

“As legal luminaries, it is your duty to do your work without minding whose ox is gored,” the Reverend said.

Rev Ademowo also called for a critical and spiritual cleansing in Nigeria, while also calling for urgent prison decongestion and promptly attending to the numerous awaiting trial inmates scattered around prisons across the country.