In a recent interview with ONOZURE DANIA of PUNCh Newspaper, Wahab Shittu (SAN) expressed his views on the proposed salary increase for judicial officers and other pressing issues within the Nigerian judiciary.
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Shittu welcomed the House of Representatives’ proposal to increase the salaries of judicial officers, stating that it is a step in the right direction to enhance service delivery and stimulate increased judicial performance. He emphasized that the judiciary is currently overwhelmed and underpaid compared to other arms of government, and that investing in the judicial sector is crucial for stabilizing democracy and ensuring access to justice for the common man.
While acknowledging that a few judges may be corrupt, Shittu argued that it is unfair to impose a general label on the entire judiciary. He maintained that the majority of judges in Nigeria are men and women of impeccable integrity who are committed to dispensing justice. Shittu called for increased allocation to the justice delivery sector and encouraged the judiciary to draw from the first line charge to improve the living standards of judicial officers.
On the issue of judicial appointments, Shittu stressed the importance of merit-driven processes that ensure the best elements are put forward as judicial officers. He supported the idea of drawing from a diverse pool of legal professionals, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria, academia, and the corporate sector. Shittu emphasized that the emphasis should be on character, competence, integrity, and capacity when making judicial appointments.
Shittu also called for the appointment of more judges, the building of more courtrooms, and the improvement of existing courtroom infrastructure to address congestion in the judiciary. He highlighted the need to reduce corruption and impunity in the judiciary and ensure zero tolerance for delay in the administration of justice.
Regarding the issue of people being kept in custody without trial for extended periods, Shittu called for a change in the narrative. He emphasized the need for a swift, effective, and proactive justice delivery system to reduce the number of persons awaiting trial. Shittu placed the responsibility on those in charge of the administration of justice, particularly the Attorney General at both the national and state levels, to implement effective justice delivery sector policies.
In conclusion, Wahab Shittu (SAN) advocated for merit-driven judicial appointments, improved welfare for judges, and a more efficient justice delivery system to strengthen the rule of law and democratic institutions in Nigeria.
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