Kogi CJ Lauds Judiciary-Police Relationship, Seeks More Protection for Judges – THISDAYLIVE

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, has lauded the existing cordial and productive relationship between the judiciary and the police.

Justice Majebi gave this commendation when he received  in audience the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) for Zone 8, Abubakar Zubair, in his office at the judiciary headquarters in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, yesterday.

The Chief Judge, who particularly praised the Police Protection Unit for its performance, noted that lower courts in the state and their Judges were vulnerable, and requested for deployment of policemen to cover the courts on daily basis.

“We have the Judges Police Protection Unit working well here in the state because they quickly respond to whatever complaints we present. But we still have not gotten enough police needed to man our courts, particularly the Magistrate Courts, and we ask that we should, at least, have one as duty officer per court,” the CJ demanded.

Examining the judiciary-police cordiality and experiences with police personnel, the CJ craved for more bonding and  collaboration between the two institutions which he said should be taken beyond institutional to the personnel in the two organs of government as a means of making the society secure and livable through adequate administration of justice as stakeholders.

Justice Majebi pointed out that the situation where staffers of the two institutions were sometimes found dishonoring one another was not healthy for the pursuit of organisational mandates, emphasizing that the judiciary maintains an uncompromising integrity that its staff members have imbibed and sustained as a culture.

“We are very grateful and appreciate you for commending our relationship with the Nigeria police. As humans, there are always areas of imperfection but with understanding by every one of us, we can fix it. Though we have had some nasty experiences, but we will maintain that synergy with you for us to attain our collective desires for security and adequate administration of justice in the state.

The CJ also appreciated the strenuous job of the police in the state and prayed that they succeed in wiping out criminals as he consoled the AIG and over the loss of one of their personnel following an ambush in a part of the state.

“I commend you on the work you are doing and how much you are doing for the security of the state. We also appreciate and thank you for your support during our prison visits as your men spend a number of days with us. It shows it is good if we continue to be there for one another. All our Judges consider you as our brothers in progress because you are risk-bearers like us and because you risk your lives for the society,” he said.

Earlier, the DIG, who appreciated the CJ and the judiciary for the partnership in the administration of justice in the state, expressed satisfaction with the report he was getting from prosecution of cases in courts though lamented the shortage of police personnel. He also thanked others present stating that the combined efforts of the police and the Judges have ensured relative peace in the state.