Embrace Justice, Equity To Build Prosperous Region – CJN

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has called on West African leaders to use justice and equity to build a prosperous region for the coming generations.

He said this has become necessary in view of the economic, political and leadership challenges engulfing the region at the moment.

Justice Ariwoola made the call in Abuja on Tuesday while declaring open the Statutory ECOWAS Judicial Council meeting holding at the National Judicial Council in Abuja.

The CJN who is presiding over the meeting being attended by Chief Justices of West African Countries, challenged West African leaders to reaffirm commitment to the ideals of justice, equity and solidarity and work together to build a just region for the people.

Justice Ariwoola said that the ECOWAS Judicial Council (EJC), though not widely known like other bodies, has been playing crucial roles in maintaining the rules of law and justice within the region.

The CJN who stressed that, the Western Region is characterized by diverse legal systems and traditions, added that the harmonization of laws and legal practices is essential for promoting regional integration and cooperation.

He assured that, the Council, under his leadership will continue to pay attention to addressing situations that threaten the judiciary system in West Africa and organisation of the Community Court of Justice.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi charged the ECOWAS Court of Justice to pay attention to the peculiarities of member States and refrain from issuing orders and judgments that are practically incapable of enforcement.

The AGF said there is a dire need to promote and deepen alternative dispute resolution measures within the West African region.

Fagbemi, stressed the need for the Community Court of Justice to undergo necessary reforms to be in tandem with current emergencies and manage the challenges associated with justice delivery in the region.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, said the Judiciary remains crucial in the efforts to curb instability, insecurity in West African Sub-region.

“In this era, where instability and insecurity are overwhelming our
community, the role of the justice sector is crucial in conflict prevention,
through the promotion and defence of the rule of law and human rights.

Garry Ochigbo, Edited By Grace Namiji