The Chief Judge of Edo, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has called on all court users to collaborate with the state judiciary in its fight against corruption.

Mr Okungbowa made the call on Friday during a special court session held in Benin to mark the opening of the 2025/2026 Legal Year.

He commended the Bail Is Free Campaign Organisation for its continued support of the judiciary’s efforts to rid the system of corruption.

The opening ceremony provided an opportunity for the judiciary to reflect on the achievements of the past legal year and to outline goals for the year ahead.

According to him, key focus areas in the previous year included capacity building, administration of criminal justice, and staff welfare.

As the new legal year begins, Mr Okungbowa emphasised the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and transparency in the discharge of its duties.

In recognition of exemplary service, ten members of the state judiciary received the Chief Judge’s Award for being outstanding ambassadors of the institution.

Also speaking at the event, the chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin branch, Idemudia Osifo, urged the Edo State judiciary to continue upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and judicial independence.

Mr Osifo praised the judiciary for its industry, resilience, and steadfastness under the leadership of the chief judge but also highlighted several persistent challenges.

He noted that many courts in Edo State still operated in dilapidated conditions and lacked modern facilities needed for effective justice delivery.

He further lamented the prolonged duration of many court cases, which continued to erode public confidence in the system, and stressed the urgent need to improve the working conditions of judicial officers and support staff.

“The safety of judicial officers, lawyers, litigants, and witnesses must be ensured,” he said.

The NBA urged the judiciary to invest in ICT infrastructure to enhance justice delivery, reduce delays, and increase transparency.

The NBA pledged its commitment to promoting access to justice and defending the sanctity of the legal profession.

As the new legal year begins, the association urged the judiciary to uphold the noble ideals of justice, fairness, and independence.

(NAN)