A lawyer, Idris Faro has recommended refresher courses and training for judges in Nigeria as a means of curbing the declining incidences of miscarried judgement.
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, Sunrise Daily, Mr Faro corroborated the assertions of the Chief Judge of Nigeria, (CJN), Justice Aloma Mukhtar that the performance of judges in delivering judgement is declining rapidly.
Speaking at a refresher course on how to write judgments organised for judges and Khadis by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) on Monday, the CJN said public confidence in justice delivery was beginning to nosedive.
She said: “Let us not deceive ourselves, the public confidence and trust in our work as judicial officers is beginning to nosedive.
“This is partly borne out from judgment emanating from our courts which the public or some section of it feels is rather unconscionable.”
Reacting to the CJN’s comment, Mr Faro said: “We have had series of occasion when one wonders whether the presiding officer in the court actually practiced before being appointed to the bench. It is possible that some of them forget the process of adjudication.”
These, according to the lawyer, necessitates the need for refresher courses for the judges and for the overhauling of the process of appointment of judges.
He said it is improper to appoint lawyers in companies and private businesses as judges.
“Only lawyers, who practice law should be appointed to the bench,” Mr Faro said.
