• Say lives in danger over lack of official vehicles

Magistrates in Ondo State, under the umbrella of Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), have decried the absence of official vehicles required for effective discharge of their duties.

They lamented that the situation has forced many of them to rely on commercial vehicles often in the company of suspects and litigants, posing danger to their safety and undermining the dignity of their office.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to a former Senator representing Ondo North, Hon. Bode Olajumoke, the association’s spokesperson, Chief Magistrate Damilola Sekoni, disclosed that no fewer than 60 magistrates in the state currently operate without official vehicles.

Sekoni, who was accompanied by MAN’s state chairperson, Magistrate Funmi Edwin, said the development compromises both the security and efficiency of judicial officers in the state.

According to him, some magistrates have sustained varying degrees of injuries from commercial motorcycle accidents on their way to court to perform official duties.

Describing the situation as unacceptable, he said it is demoralising to see judicial officers commute in the same commercial vehicles as litigants and crime suspects.

“On a daily basis, we hop on commercial vehicles, most times with criminals and litigants standing trial before us, exposing ourselves to grave security risks.

“Magistrates in the state are constrained to share public transport with the public, including litigants appearing before them in court,” Sekoni said.

He appealed to Senator Olajumoke to intervene by raising their concerns with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, stressing that the request for official vehicles is a necessity, not a luxury.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure Branch, Onimisi Friday Umar, lamented what he described as the poor treatment of magistrates by the Aiyedatiwa administration.

Umar noted that the last time magistrates in the state received official vehicles was during the administration of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, adding that many beneficiaries have since retired.

He further recalled that although approval had been granted for the procurement of 10 new official vehicles, nothing had been heard regarding the implementation.

“It is sad that magistrates in this state board the same commercial vehicles with criminals to attend court, while their counterparts in other states travel by air to attend conferences.

“We do not know what the judiciary has done to deserve this kind of treatment. We need a respite,” he said.

The NBA chairman urged the governor to prioritise the welfare of judicial officers, saying this would enhance morale, ensure safety, and promote the efficient delivery of justice.

He also commended Senator Olajumoke for constructing a relaxation centre for the NBA.

Responding, Senator Olajumoke assured the delegation that he would look into their demands and discuss the matter with the governor.

He also urged members of the association to uphold professional ethics at all times.

In his remarks, the Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, applauded the magistrates for the visit and encouraged them to continue defending the rule of law and maintaining integrity within the justice system.

Efforts to reach the Attorney General and Commissioner for justice in the state, Kayode Ajulo,

SAN, yielded no result as his mobile phone was switched off when contacted. (The Nation)