Enhance service delivery through modern technology, Lawyers urge judiciary
Mr. Bayo Akinlade, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu branch, urged the judiciary to be more transparent in the dispensation of justice.
Lawyers in Lagos State have urged the judiciary to deploy modern technology to enhance its service delivery.
Speaking with the newsmen in separate interviews on Thursday in Lagos, a cross-section of the lawyers said that they expected better service delivery from the judiciary in 2024.
Mr. Bayo Akinlade, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu branch, urged the judiciary to be more transparent in the dispensation of justice.
“I know we say this every year, but making our justice system work takes the efforts and cooperation of all stakeholders.
“We must do our best to ensure a better future for our children and generations to come,” he said.
Akinlade, who lauded the Federal Government for the increase in budget allocation to the judiciary, however, advised governments to equally increase their budgetary allocations to the state judiciary.
In the same vein, Ademola Owolabi, a partner at Adetokunbo Chambers, Lagos, said it was not yet time to create state courts of appeal and state supreme courts to handle matters involving marriages, chieftaincy, and other residual matters.
According to him, the current system is cumbersome and in need of deep surgical operation.
He urged the attorney general of the federation to look into the issue, particularly now that the Supreme Court now has full compliments from justices.
Owolabi advised the attorney general and other judicial personalities to brainstorm on how to deploy technology in the judicial administration of the country.
Mr. Chibikem Opara, a partner at Justification Firm, Ikeja, urged the judiciary to redeem its image, which, he said, had been the subject of serious criticism in recent times.
“I expect the judiciary to go all out to launder its battered image through enhanced service delivery.
“It must improve and greatly minimise the time for service delivery,” he said.
According to Opara, the judiciary should always remember that justice is not only done but must be manifestly seen to be done at all times and at all levels.