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2021 Budget: House, NJC Decry Low Budgetary Allocation To Judiciary

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5 years ago

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House of Representatives has called for an upward review of annual Statutory allocation to the Judiciary.
News Rain Nigeria reports that a federal lawmaker, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Hon. Onofiok Luke who presided over the 2020 budget defense session at the floor of the House maintained that the appointment of the eight Supreme Court Justices has raised the number of justices to twenty, noting that there should be an upward review of the annual Statutory allocation to the judiciary.

2021 Budget: House, NJC Decry Low Budgetary Allocation To Judiciary

Luke said, “It is worrisome to note that the 2021 Budget Estimates for the Judiciary in the sum of N110 billion only, which represents Statutory Transfer to the Judiciary is inadequate in view of current realities. Stressing that the Committee will engage the Leadership of the House, and indeed the National Assembly for more funds for the Judiciary to address the observed and obvious challenges of the judiciary for expedited and efficient dispensation of justice in the country.
He said The Committee is aware of the challenges of the Judiciary as exacerbated by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with security challenges occasioned by prevailing restiveness that undoubtedly slowed down development in every aspect of our national lives.
Hon. Luke maintained that the recent security threats to Judges, denigration of the sanctity of courts, and vandalization of court infrastructure are few examples. These destructive acts are highly condemnable and call for concerted action.”
He said that there should be an upward review of annual Statutory allocation to the Judiciary pegged at N110 billion as part of efforts aimed at engendering efficient dispensation of justice in the country.
Luke stressed that the background and wealth of experience of the appointed Justices, he also maintained that there is a need for President Buhari to immediately fill the vacant positions in the Court of Appeal, noted that the recent appointment and confirmation of the newly appointed Justices of the Supreme Court will help in fast-tracking administration and delivery of justice.
He said the House believes that the Judiciary is mindful of the challenges being globally experienced while attempts are being made by Courts and Judicial Bodies, through budgetary allocations, to ensure that adequate provisions are made in priority areas like the welfare and security of Judicial officers, Staff of the Judiciary and litigants, electro-fitting and automation of Courts Rooms in line with global best practices as well as provision of modern infrastructures in courts which is sacrosanct for effective and efficient justice delivery and administration.
Hon. Luke stressed that the recent destruction of Court by hoodlums that hijacked the EndSARS protest has once again brought to fore the exigency of automating our court system right from the filing process to judgment delivery, he maintained that the sad incident has led to the loss of some vital court documents in some courts, which will stall several lawsuits and trials.
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