By Abdulwahab Abdulah & Onozure Dania

Lagos Chief Judge, Justice Olufumilayo Atilade on Tuesday warned spouses, relations, supporters and friends against any interference as she inaugurate 29 new magistrate in the state.

The inauguration of the 29 new magistrates, 22 of whom are women and seven men brought to 148 the total number of magistrates in the state.

Justice Atilade

Justice Atilade who was addressing the new magistrate at a ceremony in Lagos said for them to excel and perform their job adequately, they must stay away from anything that will contradict their oath of office.

Atilade said : “Their work from now on must be a “keep-off zone” for all and sundry. This is the only way you can assist them to succeed in their new career and protect them from negativity of the profession”, she stressed.

She admonished the new magistrates to refuse all entreaties and requests that will begin to come into the “no-go areas” following their inauguration into the bench.
She reminded the new magistrates that the powers they are now cloaked with under the various laws of the land are enormous and cautioned them not to take such powers with levity as they affect the life and liberty of citizens.

She emphasized: “The powers, as you will find out in due course, are to be wielded with great responsibility and after much thought. These are not powers that are to be abused or used for selfish interests or for the fun of it”.

The Chief Judge further stated: “The job of a magistrate is a difficult job, it is not an easy job at all. It is not for the laid back person or party going socialite. It is for that serious minded and committed person, given to modesty and has the interest of justice for all at heart. It is for the selfless one who wants this state and country to progress. It is for that person who knows the laws of the land and intends to apply it with equity and good conscience for the good of the state and the nation.

“It is for that person who is morally upright, not given to drink, sloth, covetousness and greed but is content with what little he or she may have”, she stressed.

The Chief Registrar, High court of Lagos, Mr. Emmanuel Ogundare in his remarks listed four guiding rules which he said the magistrates need to imbibe to succeed on the bench to include,” to hear courteously, to answer wisely, to consider soberly and to decide impartially”.

Ogundare cautioned them against counsels engaging in banters or unscrupulous arguments either during or at the end of proceedings and to refrain from losing their temper with either of the counsels or litigants, stressing that they would find themselves in pitfalls if they disregard the admonition.

The chief Registrar said that substantial number of petitions written against magistrates either to the Chief Judge or Judicial Service Commission bother on reckless comments and remarks by the magistrates in the course of proceedings.

He therefore admonished them to ”listen more and talk less” and avoid unfair remarks, hurtful outbursts and body languages that can send litigants and advocates away with a feeling that the judge is against them or that their cases have not been fairly treated.

The Executive Secretary, Lagos State Judicial Service Commission, Mrs. Ayodele Odugbesan in a brief remarks said that the new magistrates were the best amongst lawyers who applied for the job as they were carefully screened, selected and that their appointment was purely on merit.