The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Hon. Justice Josiah Majebi, has called for urgent attention to the Judiciary’s annual budgetary allocation, noting that, after salary payments, the institution lacks the capacity to address pressing needs despite its significant responsibilities.
Justice Majebi made this appeal at the headquarters of the state Judiciary in Lokoja when he received the State House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary, Justice, and Legal Matters in his office.
The committee was led by its Chairman, Hon. Halidu Usman Adejoh, accompanied by other members, except for the Vice Chairman, the Hon. Speaker of the House, who was unavoidably absent.
“One issue we face is the lack of improvement in our yearly budgetary allocation. What remains after salary payments is insufficient to address our needs.
“The Judiciary includes the High Court, the Sharia Court of Appeal, and the Customary Court of Appeal. The High Court alone has 247 courts across the state, including the High Court, Magistrate’s Court, Upper Area Court, Area Court, and Family Court.
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“These courts are all under the High Court’s purview, and we struggle even to send monthly imprest to them. However, I have brought this to His Excellency’s attention, and just as you have expressed a desire to elevate the judiciary, His Excellency has also promised to provide us with the necessary support. I trust him as someone who keeps his word.”
Justice Majebi emphasized the importance of a progressive relationship among the three branches of government, particularly the Legislative and Judiciary, to sustain good governance.
He noted that collaboration between the Legislative and Judicial branches is essential for effective justice administration and good governance in the state. He recalled that the Judiciary had benefited from the committee’s support over the years, with a positive impact on justice administration. Previous committee members had not failed in delivering through oversight and enacting laws that have benefited the state.
“The collaborative relationship between the Judiciary and the House of Assembly, especially the Committee on Judiciary, has grown stronger over time.
“Both the committee and the State House of Assembly have consistently respected the High Court’s status, thereby according the Judiciary the recognition it deserves as a vital arm of government.”
While expressing gratitude to the committee for its visit and optimism for a brighter future for the Judiciary, the Chief Judge highlighted that the two branches have always worked in harmony. He assured the committee that the Judiciary would continue to respect and honor the Legislative branch’s integrity.
He added that the visit reflected legislative interest in building an exemplary Judiciary for the state, which would be supported by the Judiciary’s judges, whose integrity is unquestionable.
“We have honest, dedicated, and trusted judges whose integrity is recognized nationwide. They have served on various Election Petitions Tribunals, and I am pleased to inform you that none of us has ever been found wanting.
“So, as you work towards an exemplary judiciary in the state, we will not let you down. As the National Judicial Council monitors the credibility of judges nationwide, we will uphold the trust of the government branches that are invested in building an esteemed Judiciary.”
Justice Majebi disclosed that, while the governor has commendably shown willingness to renovate courts in the state, the current conditions of many courts are such that, without urgent intervention, they might need to be shut down due to their dilapidated state.
He urged the committee and other House members to assess courts in their respective constituencies to understand the Judiciary’s needs.
“Whenever you are at home, please take time to visit the nearest court to observe its structure and furniture. When I inspected one of our courts in the Central area, I almost shed tears. I am particularly grateful to my staff there for their selflessness in enduring such working conditions.
“It would be better to close down the court, but if we did so across the state, it would mean closing almost all courts, except some High Courts and Magistrates’ Courts.
“We face the responsibility of maintaining these four categories of courts and need separate budgetary provisions for each,” he stated.
Earlier, the committee Chairman explained that the visit was not to examine records or scrutinize books but to connect and collaborate with the Judiciary, understand its challenges, and integrate these needs into the legislative framework.
“My Lord, I want to clarify that our visit today is not an oversight visit. We are not here to examine records or scrutinize books. Instead, this is an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and understand the challenges facing the High Court and the Judicial Service Commission. This collaborative approach ensures that the Judiciary’s unique perspectives are well-integrated into the legislative framework,” he explained.
He added that another goal of the visit was to enhance the welfare of Judiciary staff to discourage them from seeking opportunities elsewhere. This would be achieved by ensuring that Judiciary workers enjoy career advancement opportunities similar to those in civil and legislative services, as the Judiciary should be seen as a promising career field.
“Another issue of significant importance is creating pathways for administrative staff within the Judiciary to reach the peak of their careers, similar to their counterparts in civil and legislative services. Offering these dedicated individuals career advancement within the Judiciary will foster loyalty, dedication, and commitment, allowing them to thrive without being lured by ‘greener pastures,’ as the Judiciary should be viewed as an equally promising career field.
“My Lord, we are committed to building a supportive, progressive, and resilient judicial system. Today’s visit is a testament to that commitment, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the Judiciary for the benefit of all,” he promised.
Other members of the Committee who attended the courtesy call and later joined a closed-door meeting with the Chief Judge were Honorables Haruna Asema, Jacob Samuel, Ali Idris, Anthony Ujah, Sheidu Shehu, and Otokiti Zakari.
The House’s Deputy Clerk and Permanent Secretary, who also serves as the committee’s Clerk, Mr. Alfa Ndagi, was also present.
Two members of the Council of Judges, Hon. Justices Abdul Awulu and Angelina Salihu, accompanied the Chief Judge, along with the Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, Dr. Tanko Muhammed, Chief Registrar of the High Court, Jubril Ibrahim, Esq., and other management members.
