A retired High Court Judge, Hon. Justice Folashade Bankole-Oki, has commended the Judiciary for embracing the use of technology both in the courts and registries.
The retired Judge specifically said Lagos State had made considerable efforts in the use of technology.
She said: “I am proud to state that Nigerian Courts, especially the Lagos State Judiciary, have taken bold steps in embracing the use of technology both in the Courts and in the Registries
“The Lagos State Judiciary has truly made commendable progress in this regard. Hearings are held virtually and recorded. Judgments are delivered virtually. Where transcribers are needed, they are employed. I am also aware that virtual hearings are conducted from prisons, where it has become impractical to transport some prisoners. Indeed, the courts all have IT departments”.
As the Guest Speaker at the 16th annual lecture of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), on Judicial reforms and titled: ‘Strengthening the Administration of Justice in Nigeria through technology, international best practices, media, and public feedback’, Justice Bankole-Oki, stated, that one of the most impactful avenues for reform is through technology, which has the potential to drastically improve judicial efficiency.
Still on judicial reforms for efficiency, Hon. Justice Taiwo Taiwo (rtd), spoke on the constructive reforms and independence of the Judiciary.
He said, “There is no gain saying that the Judiciary can only discharge its functions and role in a democracy if it is independent, incorruptible and proactive.
“Therefore, constructive judicial reforms are necessary to reposition the Judiciary, to effectively discharge its mandate in the ever-changing world we live in, especially in a world that is moving speedily into Artificial Intelligence (AI), as a means to assist in all areas of the human endeavors.”
Justice Taiwo also called for the need to repeal most laws that need to be reviewed, while some ought to be repealed.
He said: “We have laws that date back to the colonial era still standing in the law books till today. Our criminal law and procedure must constantly be reviewed by the National Assembly and State of Assembly.
“Some provisions of our laws have been declared unconstitutional, null and void by the courts but such provisions are still in the law books and statutes. The Legislative houses ought to set up a body to look into these laws with a view to either amend or repeal them all together in line with judicial pronouncements”.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, took the opportunity to commend the supportive roles the Nigerian media have played so far in the fight against corruption.
Olukoyede, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Michael Ezekwe, commended journalists for facilitating and promoting transparency and accountability.
His words: “When efforts are acknowledged as they are today, it serves as a morale booster and reinforces our resolve to continue the fight with renewed vigour. We must no longer treat corruption with levity, we must be firm, resolute, and united”.
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, urged stronger collaboration between the Judiciary and judicial correspondents for accurate court reporting.
Tsoho was represented by Justice Ambrose Alagoa.
NAJUC Chairman, Olugbenga Soyele, described the event’s theme as timely and essential for building a viable justice system.
