My Humble Suggestions For The New Legal Year In Akwa Ibom State
My Humble Suggestions For The New Legal Year In Akwa Ibom State
As we are about to commence the new legal year in October, 2021, I have two vital suggestions for the Judiciary in the State and If they are considered, the Judiciary will be repositioned for the enjoyment and betterment of all concerned.
The criminal courts in Uyo judicial division are not enough. We have only two criminal courts in Uyo judicial division which unfortunately has the highest number of criminal cases in the State; this is a major setback to justice delivery.
It is a great burden for only two high court Judges to handle over one thousand criminal cases in the entire judicial division. The interval between a short adjournment from one court date to another in these courts can last up to three months. To be honest, cases last up to three years in these courts.
Increasing the number of criminal courts to at least four (4) will no doubt help create room for speedy dispensation of justice in criminal matters in the judicial division. There must be room for speedy resolution of criminal matters so that victims of crimes do not loose confidence and interest in the legal system.
In the alternative, if the number of criminal courts cannot be increased above two, then I humbly suggest that assignment of criminal matters be returned to status quo where all the courts within the judicial division were assigned criminal matters equally to adjudicate. If legal redress or equitable relief to an injured party is available, but is not forthcoming in a timely fashion, it is effectively the same as having no remedy at all (justice delayed is justice denied).
Administrative bottlenecks in obtaining certified true copies (CTC) of court orders and judgments. The CTC of court orders and judgments are meant to be gotten as of right within seven days of delivery of same from the court as provided in the Rules of Court.
On a very serious note, getting these certified true copies of court orders and judgments are as difficult as filing and following the matter till judgment. Lawyers are now expected to mobilize and follow up in order to obtain the CTC of the court order or judgment delivered by the court. Lawyers are always left at the mercies of court officials after an order or judgment has been given in their cases. Lawyers must grease the palms of these court officials and also pamper them at the same time before they get what they want from the court.
Strict disciplinary measures must be put in place to checkmate this kind of sharp practices in the system.
In conclusion, if the issues mentioned above are investigated, looked into, considered and addressed accordingly, the new legal year in Akwa Ibom State will be incredibly remarkable.
I cease this opportunity to wish our amiable Chief Judge of the state, Honourable Justice Ekaette Obot and all the judges and Magistrates in the State Judiciary as well as all the lawyers in the State a happy and prosperous new legal year in advance.
Ndi Aquaisua, Esq
Uyo Based Legal Practitioner
