Rule of law assurance and judicial independence: Okowa

 Rule of law assurance and judicial independence: Okowa

Ifeanyu Okowa

Ifeanyi Okowa, the governor of Delta State and vice presidential candidate for the People's Democratic Party, has stated that the independence of the judiciary and financial autonomy are essential for an efficient rule of law in Nigeria.

At the Nigerian Bar Association-Section on Legal Practice 2022 Annual Conference in Asaba on Monday, Okowa made this statement in his keynote speech.

He thanked the NBA for having the conference in Asaba, one of Nigeria's fastest-growing cities, and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to ensuring the state's court maintains its financial independence.

"The courts and the legal profession must continue to adapt to cope with quick changes like cross-jurisdictional legal disputes and settle corporate activity in the virtual world," he said. They'll be forced to discuss how information technology has affected their jobs.

"Of equal importance is the requirement that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) continue to advocate for the health and well-being of attorneys and judges.

"The Delta State Government is working to establish a structure within which the court and legal profession may successfully address these difficulties, which is why in 2021 I signed into law the Delta State Judiciary Fund Management Act" (Financial Autonomy).

"The statute represents a crucial first step for the independent control of the judiciary's internal budgetary management and appropriations, even though I believe that there is still much work to be done to achieve true financial autonomy.

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"My administration has supported and will continue to support the idea that judicial finance should be exercised independently of the executive branch of government, in a similar way to how the executive and legislative branches administer the funds appropriated for their respective internal operations."

The government and people of Delta State were praised earlier by the NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, for hosting and funding the conference.

The Section on Business Law, the Section on Legal Practice, and the Section on Public Interest and Development Law, he claimed, have all continued to expand rapidly.

Due to its members' involvement in dispute resolution as litigators and alternative dispute resolution practitioners, the NBA-SLP holds a very reputable position within the association.

Given the crucial role it will play in the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria, Akpata said, "I commend the organizers for the choice of the conference theme and timing."

He tasked the court with ensuring that the management and distribution of resources adhered to the values of accountability, integrity, and transparency.