Naseer AL-SIRAJDEEN, Minna
The Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Minna Branch, Barrister Isyaku Barau, says he is determined to pursue the independence of Judiciary during his two years tenure.
He noted that the independence of the Judiciary will bring justice closer to the citizens at affordable cost and will build confidence in the common man whose last hope is the Judiciary.
According to the legal practitioner, absence of Judiciary independence has grossly affected the smooth and speedy administration of justice.
He insisted that his administration will continue to echo his voice in ensuring the independence of the third arm of government.
Barau in an exclusive interview with THEPALACE Newspaper, in Minna at the weekend, explained that the Judiciary independence should not for any reason be compromised.
” As the NBA Chairman in Minna , I will make it a front burner in my tenure. This will bring justice closer to the less privileged who see the Judiciary as last hope”
He noted with concern the deliberate refusal of by executive to accord the judiciary its constitutional independence as enshrined in section 121 of the 1999 of the constitution as amended, describing the trend as unacceptable
” Lack of the Judiciary independence has made the citizens to lost confidence on the Judiciary. The executive as a matter of Constitutional provision must allow the third arm of government to operate within the ambit of the law as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended”
Barrister Barau, said his administration will continue to make human rights of the citizens a priority and ensure that justice is given and served regardless of status in the society, adding that justice is the Constitutional right of the citizens.
” Justice is for all citizens no matter the status of the individual in the society. I want to disabuse the impression already created that justice is for the rich”
” Let me disabuse the impression already created that justice is for particular individuals in society. It is not so, justice is for all citizens and all manner of persons are entitled to justice”
He then appealed to Nigerians to have confidence in the Judiciary and respect the constituted authority at all times.
He warned that citizens should avoid taking law into their hands ” as the law is not a respecter of any body the law will be visited on any persons that go against it”
