Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has harped on the need to train and retrain judicial officers for effective justice delivery.
AbdulRazaq spoke at the opening ceremony of the training put together by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in partnership with the Judicial College of England and Wales in Ilorin, for magistrates in the state.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi, said that the programme was designed to provide the magistrates with the latest tools and techniques to enhance their skills and knowledge.
The governor appealed to the magistrates to come up with new insights and perspectives towards administering justice with impartiality as enshrined in the judicial oath.
“As magistrates, given the huge number of cases you preside over, you play a critical role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served. Your work is essential to the functioning of our society, and I commend you for what you do,” he said.
Governor AbdulRazaq thanked both the NJI and the Judicial College of England and Wales for making the programme a success.
He expressed the desire for more collaboration towards enhancing the capacity of judicial officers at all levels.
In her address, wife of the governor, Olufolake, observed that the training of magistrates is an integral part of ensuring an effective legal system. “The training will also afford the participating magistrates the opportunity to collaborate, share experiences and learn,” she said.
Speaking earlier, Chief Judge of Kwara, Justice Ayodeji Adebara, acknowledged the role played by Gov. AbdulRazaq and his wife in facilitating the collaboration and releasing funds for the training.
He described magistrates as the backbone and heart of the justice system. “The training has been designed to equip the participants with the required tools, knowledge and skills to discharge their duties faithfully.”
Adebara advised them to seek knowledge with humility, and appreciate the diverse perspectives that would come before them. “You should remain true to the oath you have taken to serve the cause of justice. Justice is not merely a legal concept.
It is a moral imperative that demands unwavering commitment to uphold the rights and freedom of every individual who seeks justice in court,” Adebara said.