Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, has said his government would continue to prioritise reforms to guarantee the independence of the state’s judiciary, assuring better collaboration with the judiciary and other stakeholders to sustain the peace, security and stability witnessed in the state.
Obaseki gave the assurance when he received members of the body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN, led by Ighodalo Imadengbelo, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office, at the Government House, Benin City, Edo State.
He said his government would continue to support the Judiciary, ensuring a safe and enabling environment for the judicial arm of government to effectively carry out its duties and responsibilities.
Obaseki said, “I want to leave a stronger Judiciary than I met. We believe in the independence of the Judiciary and that’s why I have signed into law the autonomy bill of the Judiciary and the legislative arm of government.
“We need these institutions to be strong and independent because they serve as a check to each other and serve to strengthen the basis of our democracy.
“The Judiciary is the bastion of our democracy as it’s the Judiciary we run to when politicians don’t agree. The Judiciary is very important and the basis for our existence because without law and order there will be anarchy.
“Investing in the judiciary is very important and a priority as we have invested in physical infrastructure like building official accommodations for judges across the state and have earmarked more developments for the system.
“We are revamping the Magistracy and will soon start commissioning Magistrate Courts across the State.
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“We have worked to improve the efficiency of the Judiciary through training in excess of 100 court reporters over the last few years, deploying technology and connecting our courts across the state with fibers and high speed internet connectivity.
“We will make all the investments needed to make our Judiciary number one in Nigeria.
“We are glad that you appreciate what we have done till date but what is more important is the improvement of physical infrastructure you see and in our view, is not as important as ensuring a total reform in the process of reforming the Judiciary itself.”
Earlier, members of the body of SANs, led by Imadegbelo commended the governor for his developmental strides in the Judiciary.
Speaking on their behalf, Imadegbelo said: “We have watched you for the past seven years as governor of Edo State and we have seen what you have done in the State, especially for the Judiciary as the High Court Complex is a testament of your infrastructural development in the state.
“As a critical stakeholder and the body of SANs, we always know what is happening in Nigeria. So, we acknowledge your performance in the State.
“We say you have done well and encourage you to keep it up.”
