CJN Meets Heads Of Courts, Demands Transparency In Funds’ Usage

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The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, on Monday, met with Heads of Courts in the country, even as he stressed the need for accountability in the management of funds allocated to the judiciary.

The CJN, maintained that prudent and transparent utilization of judicial resources would improve the overall efficiency in the administration of justice.

He, however, decried that despite the fact that judicial independence is critical to survival of any democracy, “Heads of Courts still go cap in hand to the Executive for funds allocated to the Judiciary, as against the provisions of sectional 121 (3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended”.

“It is on this premise that I will urge all distinguished participants to be proactive and bring to the front burner means through which we can advance independence of the judiciary to better improve service delivery in our courts, which is also vital in safeguarding the freedom and rights of citizens”, the CJN stated.

He said it was imperative to put structures in place that will enhance court management and further strengthen strict judicial performance evaluation while simultaneously addressing other concerns relating to independence of the Nigerian Judiciary.

“No doubt, an efficient management system will engender high performance, fair and speedy dispensation of justice in our courts.

“My brother Heads of Courts, we can all agree that there is no gain saying the fact that the Judiciary as an arm of government should be well funded to guarantee its financial independence and consequently ensure the provision of adequate infrastructures and tools in addition to providing for the welfare of Judicial Officers and their support staff to enhance productivity.

“Although our current reality does not reflect this position, managing judicial resources must be done in a manner that achieves the objectives of making the courts financially accountable for funds allocated to it.

“I urge you to be prudent in the use of resources made available to your courts”, the CJN added.

In his address at the roundtable meeting, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, NJI, Justice Salisu Abdullahi, noted that responsibilities of Heads of Courts entail providing leadership and direction to ensure an efficient and effective running of the court system.

He said the theme of the roundtable; ‘Towards Achieving Better Service Delivery in the Judiciary’, was fitting, in view of the critical role of leadership to service delivery.

“My lords, the enormity of the challenges faced by Heads of Courts in court administration, most especially at the State Level cannot be under estimated; some of which emanates from inadequate structural facilities, lack of skilled manpower, inadequate information and communication technology facilities, all of which stems from inadequate funding of the court system and brazen disregard for constitutional provisions.

“While recognising that these challenges exist, they are not insurmountable. It is hoped that this forum will afford participants the opportunity to proceed creative ways to tackling them and forging ahead”, the NJI boss added.

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