The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, has said there must always be a conscious progressive relationship among the three arms of government, particularly the legislature and the judiciary, for the sustenance of good governance in Nigeria.
Justice Majebi stated this on Monday when he received the Kogi State House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary, Justice, and Legal Matters in his office in Lokoja.
He asserted that it is gainful for the legislative and judicial arms of government to work hand-in-hand for effective administration of justice in the state and promotion of good governance.
Justice Majebi recalled that the judiciary had enjoyed the committee’s collaboration over the years, with an impactful effect on justice administration in the state.
“The collaborative relationship between the judiciary and the House of Assembly, particularly the Committee on Judiciary, has grown from strength to strength.
“Both the committee and, by extension, the State House of Assembly have consistently upheld the status of the High Court and have, therefore, accorded the High Court, by implication the Judiciary, the respect it deserves as a fundamental arm of government.”
While thanking the committee for the visit and raising the judiciary’s hope for better days ahead, the CJ said it’s on record that the two arms had always been in harmony and assured that the would always respect and honor the integrity of the legislature.
He added that the visit was indicative of legislative interest in building an enviable judiciary for the state, which would be adequately complemented by the judges in the judiciary, whose integrity is not in doubt.
Continuing, Justice Majebi said, “We have honest, dedicated, and trusted judges whose integrity is not in doubt in the whole country. They have been at various Election Petitions Tribunals, and I am pleased to inform you that none of us has been found wanting.
“So, as you move to have an enviable judiciary in the state, we will not fail the state. As the National Judicial Council is there watching the credibility of judges nationwide, we will not fail our arms of government that are interested in producing an enviable judiciary.”
The Chief Judge, however, called for urgent attention to the Judiciary’s annual budgetary allocation, stating that after payment of salaries, the institution lacks the capacity to address pressing needs despite the huge responsibilities at its behest.
“One problem we have is that there has been no improvement in our yearly budgetary allocation. What is left after payment of salaries can’t take care of most of our needs.
“The Judiciary has the High Court, the Sharia Court of Appeal, and the Customary Court of Appeal. The High Court alone has 247 courts spread all over the state, including the Magistrate’s Court, Upper Area Court, Area Court, and Family Court.
“These courts are all under the High Court, and we’re finding it difficult to even send imprest to them monthly.”
He urged the committee and other House members to endeavor to assess the courts in their respective constituencies to understand the extent of the judiciary’s needs.
Legislature, judiciary must unite for good governance – Kogi CJ
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