Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Monday said his administration will continue to give utmost priority to the welfare of serving and retired judges in the state so as to enable them continue to give their very best to the economic prosperity of the state.
Governor Ambode, who spoke when the outgoing Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, paid him a courtesy visit at the Lagos House in Ikeja, said his administration on inception in May 29, 2015, embarked upon reforms in the judiciary to improve on their service delivery, noting that the state has become a reference point of how the judiciary should run.
Alluding to the fact that appreciable progress has been made by the judiciary in the last two years of his administration, Governor Ambode said that part of the reforms was to ensure that judges who retire after meritorious service are comfortable after retirement.
“Reform in the judiciary is a continuous thing and in areas, in which we have not done utmost well as you so much envisioned, we would improve on them and we would also ensure that we make life comfortable for our retired judges as you move into that club. I am very particular about the welfare of judges, that is a very sacred institution that we must continue to ensure that even in retirement there is so much for them to look back for the efforts they have made.
“That is why it is very easy for us to bring some of our retired judges to continue to serve us because that basket of knowledge is not found everywhere and we cannot afford to disconnect with the knowledge possessed by our judges,” Governor Ambode said.
Commending the efforts of Justice Atilade, who is expected to officially bow out as the Chief Judge of the State on Sunday, September 24, Governor Ambode expressed optimism that the tradition which the Lagos judiciary is known for would continue to hold sway long after her departure.
“Collectively, the judiciary, executive and the legislature arms of government, we have done very well in Lagos to keep that harmony and peace, ultimately for the prosperity of Lagos. I want to thank you for serving this State,” he said.
Earlier in her remarks, Justice Atilade said the visit was to thank the governor for providing a conducive atmosphere and cordial working relationship between the executive and the judicial arm of government in the state during her period as chief judge.
