NBA Conference: Lagos CJ calls for synergy in judiciary

To enhance the judiciary’s credibility, address the growing issue of frivolous applications and aid quick dispensation of justice, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, has advocated greater synergy among the stakeholders.

Justice Alogba made this call at a cocktail party held at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos to welcome lawyers across the country to the 2024 yearly General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

He hinged the collaboration of the stakeholders on restoring public confidence in the judiciary, curbing unnecessary litigation that clogs the court system and delays in the delivery of justice.

He said judicial reforms, being advocated across Nigeria, include the adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to handle less complex cases.

The CJ said that frivolous cases not only waste the court’s time but also erode public trust in the judiciary’s ability to deliver timely and fair justice.

He urged legal practitioners to exercise more discretion in the cases they bring to court, ensuring that only those with substantial legal merit proceed.

According to the Chief judge, this approach would help to reduce the backlog of cases, improve efficiency, and enhance the judiciary’s credibility.

The NBA president, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) urged the lawyers to protect the sanctity of the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

He said there is a need for legal practitioners to uphold ethical standards, avoid frivolous cases, and work towards a more equitable and accessible justice system.

He noted that his appeal became necessary with broader efforts by the NBA, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice and the National Judicial Council, to restore public confidence in the judiciary and ensure that it functions as a fair and reliable institution for all Nigerians.