Financial Autonomy: Okutepa SAN Congratulates JUSUN, Charges Stakeholders On Judicial Independence And Impunity.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, J.S. Okutepa has congratulated the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) and all relevant stakeholders over the hard-won victory of Financial Autonomy for the State Judiciary. His congratulatory message came few hours after the Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF) and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, addressed the press on Governor’s agreement to implement Financial Autonomy for the State Judiciary and end the lingering strike embarked upon by JUSUN.

It is a victory for the entire members of the Judiciary Okutepa SAN noted.

The Learned Silk recalled that yesterday the Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum addressed the press that the governors have agreed to give effect to the autonomy of the judiciary in terms of financial independence, expressing that is how it ought to be.

Okutepa SAN in his words said “I congratulate JUSUN and all relevant stakeholders for this singular achievement. I hope it will be permanent and not Adhoc”.

He noted that we must see to practical realisations of the agreement in May 2021 and beyond.

Okutepa SAN further went on to say that he believes giving financial autonomy to the judiciary is not enough to guarantee independence of the judiciary. Noting that there are so many factors affecting the independence of our judiciary which includes and not limited to recruitment process, Integrity and character of those recruited and to be recruited.

The Learned Silk noted that the competence of those on the Bench and to be on the Bench is another thing. Stressing that corruption and corrupt practices, Interfaces with judicial process by the powers are also factors militating against the independence of the Judiciary.  He, therefore, submit most strongly that once financial independence is secured for the judiciary, the next battle should be shifted to transparent recruitment process. Noting that we must ensure that only the best and the best with integrity, character, mien, disposition and comportment get recruited to the Bench across board.

There must be independent recruitment of judicial personnel and judicial officers. The legal profession, the Body of Benchers,  Body of Senior Advocate (BOSAN),  NBA, and JUSUN need to address the character and integrity of those who are on the Bench and those who are to join the Bench.

Okutepa SAN further noted that there is a need to review the recruitment process of judicial officers.

“We must avoid recruitment of indolent and non-productive legal practitioners as judicial officers. It is not enough to just fulfill all righteousness by placing much emphasis on quota. Yes even if we need to follow Federal character and quota system, we must pick from the best eleven within that locality”.

Noting that a situation when godfatherism, who you know, lobbying and such other vices played a prominent role in the recruitment of judicial officers instead of merit must be fought and brought to an end.

“There is no doubt that the jurisprudential quality of judgment in our courts with scintillating judicial prose seems to fast disappearing in our judgements. The logicality of reasoning and indept analysis for which our judiciary was known in yesteryears to seem to have gone for bad”.

The learned silk therefore suggest that the Bar and Bench must come together to fashion out an enduring justice system that meets the yearning and aspirations of the legal profession and the Nigerian people. Noting that there must be a system that in the administration of autonomy of the finance of the judiciary no one will act to give appearance of impropriety of any kind. Nobody should be allowed to abuse the autonomy. Honestly and integrity must be the watchword for those to administer the funds. We most be different. Courts halls must be built and fully modernised.

Furthermore, Okutepa SAN charges the Judiciary on living up to expectations by making sure that filing processes meet the emerging 21st century practices and world best standards.

Charging them that delay justice must be avoided and Judgments must have as its attributes the doing of justice to the parties.

“Our judicial officers must be ready to give justice to all. They must be bold and fearless.The legal profession must liberate itself from self-destruct it is heading to. We must avoid partisan discrimination and focus more on the purity of justice to all. The way we act with impunity without sanctions must be revisited. In all we must follow the necessary and due process to make Nigerian judiciary truly independent”.