President Muhammadu Buhari has implored the judiciary to further sustain rule of law and ensure the integrity of participatory democracy by remaining honest arbiters in pre and post election matters.
The President, who commissioned the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja, noted that the judiciary had a major role to play in safeguarding fairness in the 2023 elections and ensuring the sanctity of democratic processes.
“As the 2023 general elections draw near, the significance of the legal profession becomes even more pronounced considering the vital roles you play in the electioneering process, both at the pre and post-election stages. I hope you maintain the position of an honest arbiter,” he said.
President Buhari said his administration would continue to respect and elevate the rule of law, adding that adherence to the rule of law is critical to the progress of any society, stressing that the administration has not reneged in its commitment to this ideal.
While congratulating the Body of Benchers, chaired by Chief Wole Olanipekun for the successful completion of the complex, which was started in 2008, the President commended the Body for providing a solid foundation for upholding the rule of law.
“I am aware that the Body of Benchers is responsible for the formal call-to-Bar of persons seeking to become legal practitioners as well as ensuring the highest standard of discipline within the profession.
“I consider this Body as critical to the legal profession. I say this, because the membership of the Body cuts across all facets of Government and the legal profession, particularly, the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary and the Bar.
“Furthermore, all Justices of the Supreme Court, retired Chief Justices of Nigeria who are alive, President of the Court of Appeal and Presiding Justices, Chief Judges of the High Courts, the Federal and state Attorneys General, Chairmen of the Judiciary Committees in the two Houses of the National Assembly, leading members of the Bar and others constitute this Body.
“I am unaware of any other institution or organ in the legal profession that draws its membership from all segments of the profession like the Body of benchers. No wonder, the statute describes it as consisting of men of the highest distinction in the legal profession,” the President noted.
President Buhari pledged to support improvement in the welfare for staff of the Judiciary after the ongoing review.
I recall that on the 28th July, 2022 when I played host to the leadership of the Body of Benchers, its Chairman, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, was very emphatic in making a case for the welfare of judicial officers in the country. I am not unaware of the passion and commitment of Chief Olanipekun in championing the cause of the welfare of judicial officers in Nigeria, as well as the commitment of the Body on this matter.
“May I restate my commitment towards this ideal. In similar vein, I have been intimated of the engagement of Consultants by the Body, through its Judiciary Advisory Committee, to amongst other things, come up with a peer review of the conditions of service of Judicial Officers in Nigeria with other countries and jurisdictions, within and outside Africa.
“I earnestly look forward to the completion of this peer review and the submission of recommendations, as this will assist us to review the welfare packages.
“A society where justice thrives is one that can be assured of development. For Nigeria to effectively embrace sustainable development, institutions such as the legal profession must remain deeply committed towards promoting good governance,” he added.
“This is a major achievement for the Body of Benchers, as this structure serves to boost infrastructural development of the legal profession.
“I commend the efforts of the entire Body of Benchers for being able to deliver this project, which I have been told was embarked on in 2008 and has only now been fully completed.
“From the information available to me, meetings of the Body of Benchers were hitherto held at the Supreme Court premises, both in Lagos and Abuja. Now, the Body has its own beautiful complex which will serve for its meetings, seminars, conferences and also bring some revenue to its coffers.
“Once again, I thank the Body of Benchers for this opportunity to identify with it on this auspicious occasion of the commissioning of this beautiful edifice,” President Buhari said.
The Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Wole Olanipekun, had thanked President Buhari for helping to improve conditions of service for judicial workers, and urged the Body to put the facility to good use, particularly in hosting the call to bar.
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Alhaji Abubakar Malami, urged the legal profession to purge itself of charlatans.
Bello Wakili