NBA Ikorodu Branch Chair, Bayo Akinlade Lauds Judge For Using WhatsApp To Inform Lawyers About Matters In Court

The Lagos State Judiciary has set the pace in many areas of setting standards in the justice delivery sector. From the launch of the Judiciary Information System [JIS], to computerising the various registries [on-going]. The LASJ is also making attempts to automate it’s payment system at its cash offices by procuring POS machines to make payment easy and stress free. Many judges in the Lagos State Judiciary are also pro technology with a few sending SMS Messages to lawyers and litigants informing them of the court’s diary and letting the public know if the court will sit or not. It is interesting to note that a particular judge is now using email and whatsApp to inform lawyers about their matters in court. Even though many still complain and condemn the judiciary for it’s sluggishness and it’s perceived ineffectiveness, it is still a fact that the Judiciary in Lagos has been in the forefront for innovative ideas to promote access to justice. How can we make it better The NBA and the general public must engage positively by ensuring that the judiciary is well funded, the welfare of Judicial officers and their supporting staff, as well as lawyers working within the Judiciary as either Registrars or Judicial Assistants are adequate. NBA as an association can use it’s influence to procure more facilities [technical and infrastructure] for the Judiciary. For instance more typist are needed to type judgements and rulings, court Sheriffs need to have vehicles and modern day gadgets to carry out their responsibilities etc. All in all, we need more direct investment in the justice sector. These investments will promote economic growth which will naturally reduce our high unemployment rate. This write-up was inspired by the innovative idea of the Judge in Lagos whose court communicates with lawyers via WhatsApp]]>