Lagos Chief Judge Swears in 18 New Judicial Officers, Warns on Keeping to Jurisdiction

Six new Magistrates and twelve new Presidents of Customary Courts were on Thursday sworn-in by the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, at a ceremony hosted by the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission. Addressing the new judicial officers, the Chief Judge Alogba said the event is important because they have chosen to become

The Magistrates and twelve new Presidents of Customary Courts were on Thursday sworn-in by the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, at a ceremony hosted by the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission.

Addressing the new judicial officers, the Chief Judge Alogba said the event is important because they have chosen to become judicial officers with all the limitations that the position imposes. You have deliberately chosen to become prisoners within the prison of the judicial system

The Chief Judge of Lagos State who is also Chairman of the Judicial Service Commission, charged the new appointees to uphold the ethics of the judiciary and be honest, fair and judicious in their actions, while also distancing themselves from going beyond their jurisdiction.

He charged them to man their jurisdiction otherwise they would be acting ultra vires. “Whatever the law permits you to do, you do. Whatever the law doesn’t allow you to do, don’t do otherwise it will earn you summary dismissal”

“As you adjudicate on cases, you will begin to gather enemies, once judgement doesn’t favour them, they will say something against you. That’s the hallmark of this profession. But you must be careful not to allow people to push you or influence you to the detriment of your job. Most importantly, the fear of God should be your watchword in all your dealings.

You have taken your oath before man and God and must let your conscience guide you to do the right things within the law. “Be guided by your conscience. Be upright and follow the rules and abide by the oath you have taken, knowing that if man does not see you, God is seeing you”.

“You have become public officials and must not dance nakedly in public. You’re now Ambassadors of the judiciary. And you must keep the flag of the judiciary in Lagos State flying always.

Warning them against illegal acts, the Chief Judge said “I don’t take compromise lightly. Once one person compromises, it brings the entire system under scrutiny. Your judgements are written and not oral and so you must be proud of what you have written down. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes but let it be seen that they are genuine mistakes”.

Turning to the new Magistrates, he admonished them to be studious. “Be very studious, though the first few years could be tough and difficult but you will find it useful and easy later and you’ll enjoy it”. He urged them to read and seek knowledge to enhance their performance on the job.

He reminded the Presidents of the customary courts that they are first among equals and urged them to be courteous and respectful of other panel members. He noted that some of them are professionals and top civil servants who have retired from service but are still willing to serve. You need a lot of understanding and patience to deal with people at the local level of the customary courts.

In her welcome address, Mrs. Bukola Salami, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Judicial Service Commission, said their new role as Judicial Officers expects them to be independent, impartial and fair to all and abide by the ethical standards for judicial officers.

She said because they are now classified as Judges, their conduct in and out of court will come under public scrutiny and therefore must be careful the kind of life and circles they will be found.