Judiciary must be truly independent – Justice Akande

[MrVan]

By Abdulwahab Abdulah

Retiring Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Inumidun  Akande, has said  the nation's judiciary must be truly independent in order to deliver justice in line with constitutional democracy.

Justice Akande at a send forth programme organised for her by the state judiciary, noted the state judiciary under her leadership, was able to record some progress and achievements due to the "separation of powers between the judiciary and the executive arms of government."

She called on her successor not to sacrifice the independence of the judiciary, but "strengthen  the cause of independent judiciary in the state."

Akande, who spent 1004 days in office as the 13th Chief Judge, said she had been nicknamed 'Madam separation of power' because of her position to maintain an independence of the state judiciary.

Justice Akande urged  her successor, Justice Ayotunde Philips, to build on her achievements in office, saying by so doing, this will enhance the growth of the state judiciary.

"To a large extent, I must note at this point, that what we had clearly demonstrated by these catalogue of the achievements point to the fact that with a well focussed, purposeful and visionary leadership, 'nothing shall is impossible.

"However, in view of the foregoing and consequent on the provisions of Section 121 (3) of the 1999 Constitution, may I at this point suggest the imperative of the need to build on the existing structures, which shall be taken as judicial policy to which succeeding administrations must strengthen and sustain to move the state judiciary forward," she added.

Vanguard Nigeria

[MrVan]