We need a more vibrant judiciary under your watch - lawyers tell new CJN Kekere-Ekun

Lawyers in Lagos have on Thursday, urged the newly confirmed Chief Justice of Nigeria, (CJN) Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to "match words with action" during her administration of the judiciary.

The lawyers spoke in reaction to the recent confirmation of Kekere-Ekun by the Senate.

Recall that the Senate on Wednesday, confirmed the appointment of Justice Kekere-Ekun as CJN

While responding to questions from the floor of the house, Kekere-Ekun said that her administration will do all that is necessary to promote justice.

Among others. she noted that although the bench had powers to grant exparte orders, but added that where such interim orders are abused, those found guilty will be dealt with decisively.

Reacting to her confirmation, founder of the MAEF foundation for indigent inmates, Mr Anthony Makolo, urged the CJN to ensure that appointment to the bench is based strictly on merit.

According to him, effective justice delivery can only be enshrined where they are capable "hands" on the bench.

"I urge the new CJN to make it compulsory for any appointee to the bench, to have a "rich" background in law practice.

"When a magistrate who has never practiced law or attended court is apointed to the bench, then it will retard the much desired efficiency we seek in the justice system.

"So, while we welcome the new CJN onboard, we urge her to put issues of speedy justice delivery at the front burner of her administration," he said

In the same vein, Mrs Ebere Obiora, of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Ogun State, urged that there be a reversal to the manual filing of court processes.

According to her, the electronic filing of court processes especially in lagos state, has not helped lawyers, as the process is sadly too rigorous.

She urged that lawyers be afforded a portal to enable them conduct the e-filing of processes conveniently from their offices.

Besides, Obiora sued for the appointment of lawyers as court registrars, in a bid to promote efficiency.

"I again, congratulate the newly confirmed CJN , and I pray her administration be progressive.

"The process of filing court processes electronically has really posed a problem for lawyers especially in Lagos State; I don't know about other states.

"This is a major issue requiring prompt attention from the judiciary; it is my opinion that e-filing be improved on or stopped and replaced with manual filing.

"This is because even after the online process, we still go physically to the registrars and still serve manually, so there is no point," she said

Obiora, therefore, urged that lawyers be given opportunity to file processes from their respective offices, as part of efforts to improve on the process of e-filing .

On his part. a rights campaigner, Chief Malcom Omirhobo, urged the new CJN to appoint more justices of the Supreme Court.

He noted that election petitions are matters of crucial public interest in the country and so, there is need for the appointment of more judges to the apex courts to "deal" with these issues.

"The CJN has mapped out tall goals for her administration and I can only wish her the will power to execute these goals" he said.

Meanwhile, Country Director of the Advocacy for Justice and Accountability (AJA), Mr Ogedi Ogu, said that the new CJN has been a part of justice system and so, appreciates the process.

While urging the new leadership of the judiciary to protect the rule of law, he said that AJA will continue to hold the judiciary accountable for its obligations.

The 66-year-old CJN has been serving as the Acting CJN since Justice Kayode Ariwoola retired in August.

Kekere-Ekun is the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria and second Nigeria female jurist to serve in that position