Sokoto NBA canvasses decenralization of Nigeria’s Supreme Court

The Sokoto State Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has  canvassed the decentralisation of the Nigerian Supreme Court.

This was contained in a communique issued at the end of its 5-day Law Week.

The Sokoto NBA stated that the decentralisation of the Supreme Court would minimize delays in the administration of justice at the Apex Court.
The State Branch Chairman, Laima Sambo Wali who read the communique at a press conference recommended a constitutional amendment decentralising the Apex Court  with each of the six geo-political zones in the country having a Supreme Court.

It also said state agencies responsible for maintaining the rule of law, criminal justice agencies and the Federal Road Safety Corps should have guiding principles applicable to all.

The main principle that should be incorporated within the system should be fairness and due process of law, the principle of legality, accountability, transparency, effectiveness  and efficiency, simplicity and expediency.

For the purpose of ensuring safety on Nigerian roads, the NBA stated that there was need for pre-trip investigation of vehicles before takeoff which should be sustained and intensified by the FRSC.

It urged security agencies to maintain the confidence of the public in various ways such as honestly handling citizens reports, requests, responding to citizen complaints and providing proper victim protection and support.

Expressing concern by non- Muslims, the Sokoto NBA called for the establishment of a Customary Court  as well as Customary Court of Appeal in Sokoto state to meet the yearnings of those who are not subject to the Shariah Courts.
“There is the need for the domestication of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 as well as the Child Rights Act 2005 subject to the local circumstances of Sokoto State for better justice delivery for the people of Sokoto state”, the communique further stated.

To ensure effective justice delivery, the NBA urged the urgent appointment of additional High Court Judges, Khadis of Shariah Courts of Appeal and Magistrates which may lead to the creation of more Judicial Divisions and Magisterial Divisions in Sokoto state.