The Ondo State House of Assembly on Wednesday held a public hearing on a bill seeking to provide for the retirement age of magistrates and presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts in the state to 65 years of age.
The hearing, held in Akure, was organised by the House Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions, Ethics and Privileges.
The committee Chairman, Mr Oluwarotimi Abitogun, said the proposed amendment was aimed at strengthening the administration of justice in the state.
Abitogun said magistrates and presidents of customary courts are at the frontline of the judicial system, describing them as the first point of call for many citizens seeking legal redress, enforcement of rights and dispute resolution.
He said the efficiency, productivity and stability of the courts directly affected public confidence in the rule of law.
According to him, the bill seeks to review the retirement age of magistrates and presidents of Grade A Customary Courts to 65 years and other related things.
He said the amendment would enable the state to retain experienced judicial officers for a longer period.
Abitogun assured stakeholders that the committee would consider their submissions with objectivity, fairness and neutrality.
The Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ayedun Odusola, represented by Justice Femi Akinbinu, urged stakeholders to restrict their submissions to issues covered by the bill.
Odusola said any other concerns requiring legislative attention should be addressed through separate bills.
The Chairperson of the Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria, Ondo State Chapter, Mrs Oluwakunmi Edwin, called for the inclusion of the full salaries of magistrates as pensions upon retirement.
Edwin also urged the government to review the welfare of magistrates every three years, including provision of official vehicles, housing and other welfare packages.
Similarly, Mrs Sileola Adetuyi, who represented the Association of Grade ‘A’ Customary Court Presidents in the state, called for improved welfare packages for customary court presidents.
She listed wardrobe, medical, vacation, vehicle maintenance, housing, research and training allowances among the benefits being sought.
However, Mr Abayomi Ale, Chairman of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria, Ondo State Chapter, called for the inclusion of law officers in the Ministry of Justice in the bill.
He said their inclusion would ensure that they also benefited from the proposed welfare provisions.
Mr Oluwafemi Afolabi, Chairman of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Ondo State Chapter, also called for the inclusion of court workers in the bill.
Afolabi said court workers were crucial to effective administration of justice and should not be separated from other stakeholders in the judiciary.
He said JUSUN members constituted more than 70 per cent of the workforce in the state judiciary.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ondo State Branch’s Chairman, Mr Oju Kekemeke, said magistrates and presidents of Grade A Customary Courts were the critical officers targeted by the bill.
Kekemeke said while other stakeholders also deserved improved welfare, the bill should remain focused on the retirement age, welfare and remuneration of magistrates and customary court presidents.
He, however, said that while magistrates and presidents of the customary courts were cared for, other stakeholders in the sector should not be left behind. (NAN)
