The Chairman of the Body of Benchers (BoB), Rtd Justice Mary Peter-Odili, yesterday, disclosed that a committee has been set up to address issue of conflicting judgments of courts, which was fast bringing disrepute to the judiciary.

Peter-Odili made the disclosure at the swearing-in ceremony of 4,412 new lawyers in Abuja.

The committee according to her comprises of high ranking members of the Nigerian judiciary.

This was just as the Chairman of FBN Holdings and billionaire, Mr Femi Otedola and the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, as well as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have pledged to build staff quarters and students hostels in the Lagos, Kano and Abuja campuses of the Nigerian Law School.

Speaking at the occasion, Mrs. Peter-Odili stated that the body was working hard to address incidents of conflicting judgments as the Judiciary works hard to regain public trust.

“You have been called to the Bar in a very important historic period in the legal profession in Nigeria; a period when the good, the bad and the ugly are all operating at the same time. The good to the extent that the Supreme Court now has the full complement of Justices required to man the court. The good to the extent that the welfare of Judicial Officers is being taken seriously and the Body of Benchers alongside other relevant bodies is championing the process.

“I have read in the papers about the increased funding of the Judiciary which is a positive development. I hope it will be backed by adequate release of funds as and when due.

“It is a bad period in the sense that the Judiciary is being bashed and public confidence in the legal system is dwindling, occasioned by incessant conflicting judgements by our courts and flagrant indiscipline amongst lawyers,

“In order to address this vexed issue of conflicting judgments, the Body of Benchers has constituted a Committee made up of ranking members of the Profession to came up with the best possible ways of addressing the concerns. When the Committee completes its assignment and presents its report to the Body of Benchers; it will, upon consideration and approval; be forwarded to the relevant bodies for implementation”, she said.

Meanwhile, the former Supreme Court Justice, assured the new wigs that their welfare and remuneration would be given top priority, due to the current economic realities. According to her, young lawyers in private practice are practically left to fend for themselves as their take home pay is so poor that it can barely take care of their basic needs. (THISDAY)

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