‘Judges Don’t Cause Delays In Justice Dispensation’ — Justice Mudashiru Nasiru Oniyangi

The outgoing Judge of Court of Appeal, Plateau State Division, Justice Mudashiru Nasiru Oniyangi, said judges are not the cause of delay in the dispensation of justice as erroneously believed by some Nigerians.

According to him, judges work hard to ensure that cases are handled and concluded in record time, but are always frustrated by parties in the case who fail to provide the needed support and materials to deal with cases.

Justice Oniyangi also exonerated judges from delaying the dispensation of justice, arguing that the blame should be on the shoulders of defendants and plaintiffs who, in most cases, fail to provide enough materials and evidence for prompt dispensation of justice.

According to him, judges are ready to dispense cases as soon as possible; which informed their promptness to court, and in most cases, they close late in their bid to thoroughly study cases.

The outgoing Judge, who spoke to reporters during a send forth party organised in his honour by members of staff of the Appeal Court, stated that, in the sabotage of the efforts of the judges and counsels, the accused or the defendants sometimes come up with flimsy excuses that will make the parties in the matter seek for adjournment, and the judge in that instance, can’t do otherwise but grant their prayers for the interest of justice.

Justice Oniyangi further said the insinuation from the general public that judges compromise and prolong cases are not true, adding that the efforts of judges to see the quick dispensation of justice in any matter brought before them is not in doubt.

He anchored his explanation on the fact that during his sojourn as sitting Judge of Court of Appeal, he ensured that he did a favour to all manner of people without fear or favour.

“As a judge during my time, I did my very best to put God first in what I do, including delivering judgment. If you did that, you can go to sleep snoring without minding any rumour been peddled in many quarters, because God sees your heart and that it is clean,” he said.

He, however, urged staff of the court to equip themselves with more knowledge in the judiciary system by furthering their education and attending professional courses while in service.

According to him, doing so will not only ensure a quick promotion but will also sanitize the judiciary as acquiring more knowledge will make them become professional and diligent while discharging their duties.

He advised the staff to do themselves favour further their education so as to upgrade their required qualifications and serve the country better.

Justice Oniyangi thanked the members of staff of the Appeal Court Plateau State Division for organising the function for him.