By Salisu Sani-Idris
Abuja – Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) on Wednesday called for synergy between judges and lawyers handling high profile corruption cases to ensure speedy dispensation of justice.
The Legal Director of CISLAC, Mr Adesina Oke, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Oke said that the problem of delay in the trial of high profile corruption cases had remained a cause for concern for many Nigerians, including members of the Civil Society Organisations.
The legal director said that for the judiciary to function effectively, all stakeholders in the legal system must work together and be sincere to ensure efficient criminal justice delivery in the country.
Oke also appealed to lawyers to uphold national interest in the course of discharging their duties, adding that all hands must be on deck to rid the country of corruption.
He, however, commended the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Ishaq Bello for convening a meeting with lawyers handling corruption cases to find a way forward.
The legal practitioner said that the step taken by the CJ would enhance public confidence in the judiciary and correct the impression that some lawyers intentionally delay trial of corruption cases in court.
“The meeting organised by the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, with lawyers handling high profile corruption cases is a good step in the right direction.
“ The CJ’s action will enhance the integrity of judiciary and restore public confidence.
“CISLAC is seriously worried about endless trial of corruption cases in the country and welcomes the idea of synergy between judges and lawyers,’’ Oke said.
He urged Chief Judges across the 36 states of the federation to emulate the FCT CJ by convening similar meetings with lawyers in their states to formulate policy that would ensure speedy trial of corruption cases.
NAN reports that Justice Bello, on Monday, convened a meeting with lawyers involved in high profile corruption cases to address problem of delay in the trial of such cases.
He said that similar meeting would be convened with the prosecutors with a view to ensure quick dispensation of justice.
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