ALOGBA steps in as Lagos 17th Chief Judge Pledges ‘Smart Judiciary’

…Impartial Judiciary Key To Achieving ‘Greater Lagos’, Says Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described impartial judiciary as key to achieving his administration’s vision of greater Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu stated this on Wednesday during the swearing in ceremony of the Chief Judge of Lagos, which held at the State House in Alausa.

Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba took the oath on Wednesday as the 17th Chief Judge of Lagos State, with a pledge to sustain the independence of the judiciary and also to embark on reform of the administration of justice system in the state.

Alogba, who had been presiding over the affairs of the state judiciary in acting capacity since June 13, was confirmed yesterday (Tuesday) as substantive Chief Judge by the Lagos State House of Assembly, following ratification by National Judicial Council.

Justice Alogba was sworn in at a ceremony held in the Banquet Hall at Governor’s Office in Alausa. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led members of the executive council, while the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashir Obasa, led members of the legislative arms to the ceremony.

The new Chief Judge said his tenure would witness transformation of judicial arm of government, promising to create what he described as “smart judiciary”. This, he said, would be achieved by deploying technology tools that would enable the courts to dispense complicated cases on time.

He said: “With a sense of responsibility, I stand before you all to accept the onerous tasks, which this office requires of me to perform. I seek the guidance of Almighty Allah in carrying out those responsibilities of the office. In performing my duties, I shall key into the vision of the Governor Sanwo-Olu administration in ensuring that we have smart judiciary by providing first class judicial services in line with international best practice.

“We will be deploying more tools of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the provision of our services. In-video conferencing of court proceedings has already started and we will be doing more in this area.”

Justice Alogba, an indigene of Ikorodu, said there would be “rigorous training” for judicial staff to enhance capacity, promising that he would maintain zero tolerance for corruption within the arm of the government.

The Chief Judge, however, lamented the dearth of judges in the state, pointing out that Lagos had 54 judges in its employment to dispense on thousands of cases filed daily in courts. This situation, he said, was as a result of paucity of fund.