Date: 2014-06-17

The Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice Ayinla Bamigbola has called for the provision of easily accessible medical funds for judges during and after their meritorious and selfless service to the nation.

He spoke in Ilorin on Tuesday during a special court session in honour of a late retired judge, Justice Joseph Ibiwoye.

The CJ stated that a judge gives the totality of his being, mentally, socially and even spiritually into the service.

He noted that almost all through retirement, many judges are faced with health challenges, which he said, cannot be separated from the hazards of their profession.

The Kwara State Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Kamaldeen Ajibade extolled the sterling virtues of Ibiwoye.

He noted that, law reports contain appeals both at the Court of Appeal and even the Supreme Court on the judgments and pronouncements of Ibiwoye on recondite issues and principles of law which have become established as precedents for the generations of legal practice and administration of Justice in Nigeria.

The Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Ilorin branch, Mr. Mobolaji Ojibara appealed to the leadership of the Kwara State Judicial Service Commission to address the raging agitation by a sizeable portion of members of the lower bench on issues relating to their appointment and promotion.

He stated that it is imperative to have a realistic appraisal of the extant laws guiding the appointment and promotion of judicial officers in the state, address the issue and avoid it from leading to industrial action.

"We must allow the overall interest of the Rule of Law, which we claim to oversee, dictated by our undying passion for merit and sustenance of the best tradition of the profession to guide us in this matter," Ojibara said.

Chairman, Body off Senior Advocates in Kwara State, Dr. Aliyu Salman (SAN) said it was imperative for the justice delivery sector to ensure transparency.

Salman who was represented by a senior lawyer, Chief Peter Olorunnisola (SAN) urged office holders to be upright, God-fearing and just in the discharge of their duties.

"God is the greatest and he has used the weapon of death to show his undoubted supremacy over us. So, whatever position you may hold, strive to perform your duties with the fear of God.

"Particularly for judges, lawyers and all persons involved in the administration of justice, God is watching. If you take bribe to pervert justice, the bribe will finish one day and even if the evil endures till youth death, you will have to leave it behind to your damnation.

"This is because we brought nothing into this world and we will go back to our creator with nothing. Such a person must prepare for hell," Salman said.