Lagos retired CJ condemns corruption in Nigeria

(NIGERIA) The retired Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Phillips yesterday insisted that the level of corruption in the country is responsible for the decay as is being experienced in Nigeria.

Speaking during a monitored radio programme in Lagos, the retired CJ, while also admonishing those involved in the menace to have a re-think, maintained that Lagos State remains a law abiding state.

JUSTICE AYOTUNDE PHILLIPS (RTD)

She expressed sadness over the continued development in the Rivers State judiciary where the National Judicial Council (NJC) was not allowed to make recommendations as to who becomes the next Chief Judge of the state.

According to the Lagos State retired CJ, "The NJC is responsible for the recommendation of any judge that is expected to occupy the office of the number one judge, and normally the state governor accepts such.

"The governor must have confidence in whoever occupies that position of the CJ. This is because the number one judge is expected to give proper advice to the governor whenever the need arises."

Thanking God for the opportunity to serve in the capacity as a CJ, Justice Phillips said, "I was a judge for 20 years and never got any threat from anybody.

"I was never under any pressure of any kind during my time as the Chief Judge of Lagos State. But I want to condemn in a very strong term the huge number of awaiting trial cases in Lagos State and indeed Nigeria. I thinking sentencing guidelines should be giving to Judges and Magistrates across the country to avoid prison congestion."

Justice Phillips blamed lawyers and litigants for the slow dispensation of justice in the country, with a further position that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is doing its best to join government in ensuring that things are properly done in the country.