Stakeholders canvass improved welfare for judicial officers at public hearing

By Tolulope Eniola

The Ondo State House of Assembly has 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.

The hearing, held on Wednesday at the Mini Chamber of the Assembly Complex, Akure, brought together stakeholders from the Ministry of Justice, Law Commission, judiciary and other relevant institutions to deliberate on the proposed legislation.

Members of the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Petitions, Ethics and Privileges present at the hearing included Hon. (Barr.) Afe Felix, Hon. Olajide Oguntodu, Hon. Olatunji Oshati, Hon. Olatunji Ifabiyi and Hon. Allen Oluwatoyin.

Declaring the hearing open, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. (Barr.) Stephen Abitogun, said the proposed legislation was aimed at strengthening the administration of justice by retaining experienced judicial officers and improving efficiency in the lower courts.

Abitogun noted that magistrates and presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts were at the frontline of the justice system, serving as the first point of contact for many citizens seeking redress, enforcement of their rights and resolution of disputes.

He said the bill was also intended to align the retirement age and conditions of service of lower court judicial officers with contemporary standards and best practices, while preserving institutional knowledge and improving career satisfaction and welfare.

The Chairman urged stakeholders to make constructive submissions, assuring them that every memorandum and position presented would receive fair and objective consideration before the committee submits its report to the House.

Speaking on the Bill, the Vice Chairman of the Committee, Hon. (Barr.) Afe Felix, assured stakeholders that the lawmakers would be persuaded to recognise the importance of the legislation and give it the necessary consideration and attention.

Also, a member of the committee, Hon. Allen Oluwatoyin, appreciated the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for prioritising the welfare of judicial officers.

He noted that the Bill focused on the welfare and benefits of judicial workers, assuring stakeholders that all relevant aspects would be carefully considered as the committee scrutinised the legislation, with fairness guiding its decision.

In his submission, the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Ayedun Olusegun. Odusola, represented by Justice Femi Akinbinu, cautioned against extending benefits specifically designed for judicial officers to civil servants in the judiciary, particularly the proposed retirement age of 65 years.

He noted that such an arrangement could create disparities in conditions of service and potentially trigger industrial unrest in other sectors.

Presenting the memorandum of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria, Ondo State Chapter, the Chairperson, His Worship Oluwafunmi Abosede Edwin, called for enhanced welfare packages for magistrates, particularly an increase in the retirement age to 65 years, as well as improved remuneration, retirement benefits and allowances.

She said better welfare for judicial officers would boost their morale and contribute to a more efficient and effective administration of justice in the state.

Also presenting his memorandum, the Chairman of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria, Ondo State Chapter, Mr Ale Abayomi, Esq., called for the implementation of the 1998 Policy Harmonisation Agreement, stressing that its continued non-implementation could undermine the welfare of law officers and pose a threat to the effective functioning of the justice system.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, Akure Branch, Mr Kekemeke Oju, expressed support for the submissions made by the various stakeholders, stressing that the welfare of judicial officers remained critical to effective justice delivery.

He urged the committee to consider all the agitations and recommendations presented at the hearing, saying improved welfare would contribute to better dispensation of justice.

Giving the vote of thanks, the Clerk of the House, Barr. Benjamin Jaiyeola, stated that the key objective of the bill was to retain valuable expertise within the sector by ensuring that experienced judicial officers were not prematurely lost from the system.

He added that the hearing underscored the collective interest of stakeholders in strengthening the administration of justice in Ondo State.