WE'LL CONTINUE TO UPHOLD RULE OF LAW IN OYO STATE

The Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has reiterated the commitment of his administration to uphold the rule of law in the State.

Makinde stated this at special Jumat Service held at the Central Mosque, Oja Oba, Ibadan on Monday in commemoration of the new legal year 2022/2023.

Speaking after the prayers led by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheik Agbotomokekere, the Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Barrister Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal said the present administration has not hidden the strong belief in the rule of law which has been sustained since 2019 till this moment, adding that this administration has highest regards for fundamental human rights and independence of the judiciary.

He noted that the Government is aware that economic prosperity thrives where there is peace and undisturbed rule of law. He said his administration has remained unwavering in the promptness and priority attached to issues affecting the administration and administrators of justice.

In his words, “It is an honour for me to worship with you this morning to usher in a New Legal year 2022/2023. As we gather here to worship together, I am extremely grateful to Almighty Allah for giving us the grace to complete the last Legal year in good health and prosperity. We pray and look forward to more grace in this New Legal Year.

“Today’s celebration is significant in many respects. Speaking in particular about the Judiciary of Oyo State, this is the first New Legal Year celebration we shall be observing since a product of the Oyo State Judiciary, which was inaugurated in 1976 was sworn in as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the No.1 Judicial Officer in Nigeria.

“The Government and the people of Oyo State are extremely delighted and proud about this great
honour bestowed on Oyo State by the Almighty God. Once again the Pacesetter State was the cynosure of all eyes on the 12th of October, 2022 when My Lord Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, of Oyo State extraction was sworn into the exalted Office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria. It is a thing of great Joy that someone who started as a State Counsel in the Oyo State Ministry of Justice, has risen to the exalted Office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria. I congratulate the entire Judiciary family and pray that God Almighty will give My Lord, Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON all the endowments he requires to excel in the discharge of the onerous duties of his office.

“The New Legal Year Service offers all relevant stakeholders in the Judiciary an opportunity to take stock of the milestones already registered as we look forward to the challenges and prospects of the years ahead. When we assumed the mantle of Leadership of this Pacesetter State, We did not hide our strong belief in the Rule of Law and I am glad that we have not, till date, deviated from this noble conviction and we shall continue to uphold it. We are of the firm opinion that the Rule of Law, Fundamental Human Rights and Independence of the Judiciary are great ideals that any responsible government must hold very dear.

“As a Government, we are aware that economic prosperity thrives where there is peace and undisturbed Rule of Law. We have remained unwavering in the promptness and priority we attach to issues affecting the Administration and Administrators of Justice.

“Let me say that we have implicit confidence in the Judiciary of our State. The Oyo State Judiciary has over the years distinguished itself as the Custodian of the high traditions of the Bench which made the defunct Western State, the Citadel of Legal erudition in the Country. Today, the story has not changed. On our part, we will remain committed to an unwavering welfare policy for Judicial Officers.

“Security of the State being one of the four point agenda of this Government, We have left no stone unturned to ensure that the entire State is secured. We have set up Amotekun Corps to complement the existing security agencies and we have continued to provide the needed support such as procuring vehicles and equipment for all security agencies. We are grateful to God that today, Oyo State is rated as one of the safest and most peaceful and States in the Federation.

“To showcase our commitment to an improved Judiciary, this Government has prioritized prompt payment of workers’ salaries, gratuities and pension to retired workers. There is a direct link between regular payment of salaries and prosperous economy. We have commenced the rehabilitation of the High Court Complex at Ring Road; already, we have tarred the roads in the complex, while setting in motion machinery for the repainting of the High Court Complex. Additional buildings are being constructed in the High Court Complex Ring-Road and the Customary Court of Appeal. A Ceremonial Hall is being constructed at the High Court, which is quite novel. We shall also begin the process of renovating the other Judicial Divisions of the Oyo State High Court.

“The welfare of our Judges will always be one of the most important duty of this administration and several steps has and will be taken to ensure that the needs of our Judges are properly addressed to enable them dispense appropriate and well-considered judgments for the residents of the State.
At the commissioning of the Family Court in July 2020, The Honourable Chief Judge in his speech did mention the followings Bills, which will curb the rising trend of Child abuse and Rape in the society.
Oyo State Public Defender Bill.
Violence against Persons Bill.
Child Sexual Offences Propitiation Bill 2019 .

“Oyo State Sexual and Gender Based Violence Response Team and Referral Centre Bill 2020.
We wish to state that, these Bills have been passed into law and assented to by His Excellency, the Governor.
Our commitment to the Rule of Law has seen us set up bodies such as the Task Force on Enforcement of The Real Properties Protection Law 2016 headed by Honourable Justice Aiki. We have reinstated a lot of Civil Servants that were dismissed by past Administrations and established the Oyo State Anti- corruption Agency to drive home its zero tolerance to corruption.
This Legal Year 2022/2023 coincides with the 2023 General Elections. It is therefore, the responsibility of stakeholders, especially in the Judiciary, to ensure that Free, Fair and Credible Elections, especially in the resolution of Election disputes. The judiciary is the last hope of the common man and must be seen to do the right thing at all times.”

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