By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has urged members of the judiciary and legal practitioners to remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law while adhering to the highest standards of fairness and impartiality in the dispensation of justice.

Chairman of the NBA, Ondo branch, Henry Akingbesote, drew attention to the significant hurdles confronting the judiciary, notably the growing backlog of cases and increasing public scrutiny of judicial pronouncements.

He highlighted the importance of collective responsibility within the justice sector, stressing the need for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to reinforce the legal framework and safeguard judicial integrity in the face of these pressing concerns.

“As legal practitioners, we must be committed to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding human rights, and ensuring justice is administered efficiently and fairly.”

Commending the infrastructural strides of Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa’s administration, Akingbesote acknowledged improvements such as courtroom renovations and the construction of quarters for judges.

He also pointed to the need for modernised case management systems and broader adoption of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to alleviate the burden on the judiciary.

In his remarks, the NBA chairman appealed for continuous financial investment to address existing infrastructural and operational shortfalls in the judicial sector.

He expressed concern over the misuse of media platforms to discredit judicial officers and their rulings, warning that such actions pose a grave threat to the rule of law.

Akingbesote urged the NBA to take disciplinary measures against erring members and encouraged judges to invoke contempt proceedings when necessary to protect the sanctity of the judicial process.

He called on all stakeholders, including the Bar, law enforcement agencies and the public, to work collaboratively to reinforce the justice delivery system in Ondo State and across the country.