LAGOS STATE JUDICIARY SWEARS IN 29 MAGISTRATES
Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Olufumilayo Atilade, yesterday urged the spouses, relations and friends of magistrates not to interfere in their jobs to ensure their success.
Swearing-in 29 new magistrates at the Lagos High Court foyer in Igbosere, Justice Atilade said: “Their work from now on must be a ‘keep-off zone’ for all. This is the only way you can assist them to succeed in their career and protect them from negativity”.
Justice Atilade implored the magistrates to rebuff all entreaties that could put them in trouble.
The inauguration of the magistrates, 22 of whom are women, brings to 148 the number of magistrates in the state.
She advised the magistrates to use their powers wisely as they affect the life and liberty of citizens.
She said: “The powers, as you will find out in due course, are to be wielded with great responsibility and after much thought. These are not powers that are to be abused or used for selfish interests or for the fun of it.
“The job of a magistrate is a difficult job, it is not an easy job at all. It is not for the laid back person or party going socialite. It is for that serious-minded and committed person, given to modesty and who has the interest of justice for all at heart. It is for the selfless person, who wants this state and country to progress. It is for that person who knows the laws of the land and intends to apply it with equity and good conscience for the good of the state and the nation.
“It is for that person who is morally upright, not given to drink, sloth, covetousness and greed but who is content with what little he or she may have.”
The high court’s Chief Registrar, High Court of Lagos, Mr Emmanuel Ogundare, listed to hear courteously, to answer wisely, to consider soberly and to decide impartially as the rules the magistrates must imbibe to succeed.
He advised them against or unscrupulous arguments either during or at the end of proceedings and to refrain losing their temper with either lawyers or litigants.
Ogundare said: “It must be borne in mind that the power of the court to punish for contempt is not retained for the personal aggrandisement of the magistrate or whoever mans the court.
“The powers are created, maintained and retained for the purpose of preserving the honour and dignity of the court and by tradition of his office, he should eschew any type of temperamental outbursts as would let him lose his self-control and his appreciation of the correct method or procedure for contempt proceedings.”
The chief registrar said a substantial number of petitions written against magistrates either to the Chief Judge or Judicial Service Commission bordered on reckless comments and remarks by the magistrates during proceedings.
Lagos State Judicial Service Commission Executive Secretary Mrs Ayodele Odugbesan said the magistrates were the best amongst lawyers who applied for the job. She said they were carefully screened and selected, adding that their appointment was on merit.
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