Emmanuel Ukudolo l Thursday, January 25, 2018
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria(CLASFON) has called on the Chief Justice of Lagos State, Hon. Opeyemi Oke to take his anti-corruption war to the Probate Division, Sheriff and Bailiff Enforcement Unit.
Sub Regional Coordinator, CLASFON, Prince Okey-Joe Onuakalusi who made the observation during a courtesy visit to the CJL commended her effort in the quest to ride the judiciary of corruption.
He told the CJL that the Sheriff and Bailiff Enforcement Unit needs her attention. “It is an open secret that this department of the judiciary cannot perform their primary duties without asking for gratification from litigants and counsel in one way or the other”, he said.
CLASFON also indicted the Probate Division which he said is working with a 19th century attitude and mentality and in need of total overhaul.
“The probate division is another important aspect in the administration and dispensation of justice in Lagos State. A visit to the department in all the judicial divisions show that they are still working with a 19th century attitude and mentality. The department needs urgent and total overhaul. Shine your searchlight more on activities of Registrars and Sheriffs as they still promote corruption especially in the Magistrate Court”, he noted.
He told the CJL to discipline and recommend for retirement judges and magistrate who are performing below required standard.
According to him, some lawyers have been confronted with situations whereby a litigant will without fear of contradiction tell you to just go on to prepare documents and file same that he knows how to get judgement in his favour, adding that based on that development, one thus becomes revolted in the womb of his spirit and wonders why one is working so hard.
He said it is gratifying to note that the disposition now is to rid corruption from Lagos judiciary from all fronts.
“It is gratifying to note that your disposition to rid corruption from the Lagos Judiciary in all forms and manner has brought relief to many in the administration and dispensation of justice”, stressing that it is however not Uhuru though full of optimism but that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Responding, the CJL, Opeyemi Oke sought for prayers noting that she is only a tool in the hands of the Almighty God.
“I see myself as a tool in the hands of God. Whatever achievements in the last 3 months, it is not me, it is God at work.”
She further acknowledged concerns raised by the Christian lawyers and sought there cooperation in reporting indiscipline any erring member of the bar and Bench who is found wanting.
The judge cited her efforts in reining corruption of all sorts. According to her, it is in such direction she put up commitment statement on the walls of the courtrooms and in strategic places in the premises to attract the trust of litigants and lawyers in accessing justice.
In addition, she said she ensured that support staff deposed to oath of allegiance and oath of office to dispense justice in the Lagos STATE judiciary.
