From Godwin Agia, in Jalingo
Hon. Justice Joel Agya, the Taraba Chief Judge (CJ), on Friday charged Magistrates and Area Court Judges to uphold integrity, impartiality and justice in the discharge of their duties.
Agya disclosed this at a swearing-in ceremony of three new magistrates and seven area court judges in Jalingo.
The CJ explained that magistrates and area courts have the jurisdiction to try both criminal and civil cases in Taraba.
“The importance of Magistrates and areas courts in the administration of justice cannot be overemphasized.
“It is estimated that 90 per cent of the criminal cases that get tried, commence at the magistrates while 80 per cent of those cases terminate there.
“This is why they are referred to as ‘the grassroot courts’ as they are in direct contact with the population,” he said.
Agya also urged the magistrates and area court judges to ensure that they take right decisions that would bring satisfaction.
“Do not be swayed by popular opinion, as it is not the job of a judge to please everyone and anyone. Let me remind you that the work of a judge requires someone with strong intellect and independent thinking,” he said.
He commended Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba for significantly increasing the overhead cost for the judiciary, saying all categories of judges were now being paid running cost and were also attending relevant workshops on regular basis.
Mr Yakubu Maikasuwa -SAN, Taraba Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, urged the judges to always uphold the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as they discharge their duties.
In his response on behalf of the new judges, Magistrate Simon Tobi pledged the commitment of the magistrates and area court judges to uphold the ethics of the bench in discharging their duties.
