Lawyers in Lagos have urged the judiciary to “launder its battered image” and deploy modern technology to enhance its service delivery.

Speaking in separate interviews on Thursday in Lagos, a cross-section of the lawyers said they expected better service delivery from the judiciary in 2024.

Bayo Akinlade, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikorodu branch, urged the judiciary to be more transparent in dispensing justice.

“I know we say this every year, but making our justice system work takes the efforts and cooperation of all stakeholders. We must do our best to ensure a better future for our children and generations to come,” Mr Akinlade said.

Mr Akinlade, who lauded the federal government for increasing budget allocation to the judiciary, advised governments to equally increase their budget allocation to the state judiciary.

Similarly, Ademola Owolabi, a partner at Adetokunbo Chambers, Lagos, said it was time to create state courts of appeal and state supreme courts to handle matters involving marriages, chieftaincy and other residual matters.

He described the current system as cumbersome, needing “surgical operation.”

He urged the attorney general of the federation to look into the issue, particularly now that the Supreme Court had full compliments of justices.

Mr Owolabi advised the attorney general and other judicial personalities to brainstorm on how to deploy technology to the judicial administration in the country.

Chibikem Opara, a partner at Justification Firm, Ikeja, urged the judiciary to redeem its image, which, he said, had been a subject of serious criticism in recent times.

“I expect the judiciary to go all out to launder its battered image through enhanced service delivery. It must improve and greatly minimise the time for service delivery,” Mr Opara said.

According to Mr Opara, the judiciary should always remember that justice is not only done but must be manifestly seen to be done at all times and all levels. 

(NAN)