By Comfort Olayinka
Dr. Ogwu James Onoja, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has made a passionate plea for improved living standards for judges in the country.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Bar and Bench Press and celebrating his 57th birthday in Abuja, Onoja argued that judges’ unique work demands and sensitive roles require that they be shielded from hardships that could hinder swift justice delivery.
Onoja’s call to action was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Walter Samuel Onoghen, and Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho.
The senior advocate emphasized that since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, judges have played a crucial role in resolving millions of political cases, thereby stabilizing democratic norms.
Onoja noted that judges have successfully resolved volatile political cases, high-profile corruption cases, and terrorism cases, ensuring a reduction in economic, financial, and terrorism offenses. He attributed these successes to the dedication and hard work of judges, who often face challenging circumstances.
To encourage talented individuals to pursue careers as judges, Onoja urged authorities to prioritize their living conditions. He advocated for befitting accommodations, vehicles, and necessary materials to enhance judges’ discharge of their judicial functions.
Additionally, Onoja called for prompt payment of judges’ monthly salaries, which should be increased in line with the country’s economic conditions.
The senior advocate’s plea highlights the importance of supporting the judiciary to ensure effective justice delivery. By providing better living standards and working conditions, Nigeria can attract and retain top talent in the judiciary, ultimately strengthening its democratic institutions.
Onoja’s remarks have sparked a timely conversation about the welfare of judges and the importance of a well-supported judiciary in Nigeria. As the country continues to navigate complex legal and political challenges, the need for a robust and effective judiciary has never been more pressing.
“A situation where courts operate without electricity, furniture and other vital materials as well as judges’ quarters among other amenities to function cannot be said to be good for the smooth dispensation of justice, as these will in no small measure, bring down the moral of judicial officers,” Onoja said.
The senior lawyer, who expressed displeasure in the increasing cases of ritual killings amongst youth to make quick money, warned the youths to desist from actions capable of tarnishing their family names, religious inclinations and reputation of Nigeria in the international community.
Onoja said that the incessant killings for ritual purposes especially money making amongst the youths has become worrisome and appealed to the older generation to rise to the challenge by campaigning against the barbaric and heartless act.
‘”Nigeria was not like this before, Nigerian citizens were living without fraud and criminalities.
“We were good neighbours to each other in the past, whatever is responsible for this wanton killings for money purposes and economic crimes must be immediately jettisoned. We must have faith in this country no matter the challenges and the circumstances,” the senior lawyer stressed.
He, therefore, appealed to parents not to allow downturn in the economy to derail them in the proper upbringing of their children in the collective interest of the future of the Nigerian nation.
