The rule of law will blossom when the society’s confidence in the judiciary’s integrity is unshaken, Lagos State Chief Judge (CJ) Justice Opeyemi Oke said yesterday.
She spoke at an induction programme for new magistrates held at the Lagos State Judiciary Training School, GRA Ikeja.
Oke enjoined the magistrates to be impartial arbiters and dispense justice without fear or favour, affection or ill will in order to gain public confidence.
“Judicial impartiality is a supreme judicial virtue that goes contemporaneously with judicial independence and these are some of the greatest attractions of the judiciary,” she said.
The CJ advised the magistrates to guard against interference in the discharge of their duties, as such intrusion could jeopardise true judicial processes.
The faithful performance of their duties, she said, was the bedrock on which peace, freedom and order in any society thrive.
Justice Oke also enjoined them to be up-to-date with the law and judicial decisions of superior courts at all times.
“Your life is now one of reading and writing and just a few moments to relax within the confines of judicial ethics. The importance of judicial competence cannot be overemphasised. So you should have yourselves properly equipped for the job.
“Ensure you invest in good law books and a comprehensive compendium of cases, whether virtual or physical.
“Maintain a good rapport with your colleagues. Respect for the individual is very key not just in the legal profession, but very much also on the bench. If there are grey areas, please be humble enough to ask questions,” she said.
The training, the CJ said, would equip the magistrates with knowledge, preparatory to another programme to be organised by the National Judicial Institute, Abuja for new judges of the lower bench across the country.
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