By
Kevin Nengia
The
Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, has commended the
Rivers State Government for the way and manner it has prioritised welfare of
judicial officers.
Speaking
while flagging off the construction of the Rivers State Judges Quarters at
Government Reserved Area in Rumueme, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, last
Wednesday, Justice Onnoghen enjoined other state governments to emulate the
Rivers State Government by embarking on similar projects.
The
CJN said: “I am pleased to say that I am very happy to be here because the
judiciary which is my primary
constituency is being recognised and given its due by a government that
feels concerned about the plight of judicial officers.
“I
feel happy that this is a positive change which is very much desired by all. I
am here today because I believe in the project, and because I share in the
dream. Also, because I equally have the support of the Federal Government to
pursue similar projects for the federal Judiciary”.
He
maintained that the project will help judicial officers focus on their
constitutional roles and give judicial officers a sense of belonging as a clear
indication that they are appreciated by the society.
In
his remarks, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike submitted that the
ground-breaking was a demonstration of
how his administration treasures the
judicial branch of government and ensuring that the welfare of judiciary
officers was addressed.
The
governor emphasised that his administration remains committed to the welfare of
judicial officers in the state.
Wike
noted that the state government has already provided judicial officers with
vehicles and decent working environment.
He
said: “Most of us can still recollect the awful state of the state’s judiciary
before we took over the levers of governance. Apart from the heresy of closing
down the courts for nearly two years, the immediate past administration never,
for a moment, cared about the well-being of judicial officers.
“And
so, when we sought to replace that horrible regime, we promised to rebuild and
strengthen the state’s judiciary in all its nuances as well as improve the
working conditions of our Magistrates and Judges to enhance effective justice
delivery in the state.”
The
governor stated that his administration was already achieving its goal of
making Port Harcourt a judicial hub through the construction of a Federal High
Court, ongoing construction of National Industrial Court and the total
rehabilitation of the dilapidated Court of Appeal.
Wike
said the event marks the first phase of the promise to provide decent
accommodation for judicial officers with the construction of 20 purpose-built
5-bedroom duplexes with service quarters and recreational facilities in this
exclusive estate.
“The
need for this project is self-evident. Providing houses for judges in a safe,
secure and serene environment gives them the privacy and comfort that they need
to effectively discharge their functions”.
Wike
said: “In the allocation of official residence for life in Port Harcourt, all
the judicial officers of Rivers origin serving with the Federal Judiciary will
also be provided with cars just as we have done with the state’s judicial
officers and magistrates.”
The
governor enjoined the judiciary to be courageous and independent-minded by
dispensing justice without any limitation, improper influence, inducements,
pressures, threats or interferences from any entity or for any reason.
Also
speaking, Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Iyayi-Laminkara described
the project as historic.
She
said: “this demonstrates the commitment of the Rivers State Governor to the
infrastructural development and welfare of judicial officers”.
The
Rivers State Judges Quarters consists of 20 units fully detached five bedroom
duplexes, service quarters in planned and landscaped serene environment, filled
with lush vegetation and green.
The
estate will have sports facilities, energy centre, water treatment plant and it
sits at the area of 4.1 hectares.
Culled from www.tidenewsonline.com
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