A video showing a senior magistrate in Anambra State riding a commercial motorcycle to work has sparked outrage over the welfare of judiciary officers in the state
The female judiciary officer was videoed being transported on an ‘okada’ to Neni Chief Magistrates’ Court, allegedly having no official vehicle allocated to her despite her sensitive position.
The development has drawn attention to the persisting poor remuneration and conditions of service for magistrates and lower court judges.
Critics say the situation compromised the dignity of the judiciary and exposed judiciary officials to risks considering the sensitive cases they handle.
There have been calls on the National Judicial Council, state judiciaries and governments to urgently improve funding and welfare to safeguard the integrity of courts.
The Anambra State Government allocated 2.1% of its 2022 budget to the law and justice sector. The judiciary is yet to address the controversy over the viral video.
Observers noted that until judiciary autonomy is achieved and better provisions made for lower court judges, some will continue to face humiliation seen in the case in issue.
A commentator on national issue Polycarp Onwumelu who spoke to our correspondent said,”If this trend continues most of the magistrates would resign and go into private legal practice.
Another commentator, who pleaded not to be named said no governor of the state would be like Peter Obi in workers’ welfare.
He said,”Sometimes certain occurrences serve as poignant reminders of the days when Mr. Peter Obi was at the helm of affairs in the state. Have you also come across the image of Anambra magistrates riding on commercial motorcycles? Is this not a distressing sight? Is this how magistrates are treated in places like Soludo’s Dubai/)Taiwan?
“I can’t help but recall how magistrates were provided for during Mr. Peter Obi’s tenure. Curiosity led me to dig up some old news articles that eloquently narrate the story of joyful and dancing magistrates in Anambra State received cars from Governor Peter Obi, which the Governor said was part of his ANIDS porgramme of building both physical and human infrastructure in the State.
“Presenting the 50 brand new cars, which were handed over to the Chief Judge of the State, His Lordship, Justice Peter Umeadi( As he then was) at the Governor Lodge, the Ob said they were replacement for the set of cars earlier provided to the magistrates by his administration.
“The Governor who recalled that his administration was the first to provide vehicles to Judges and Magistrates, commended the contributions of the judiciary in building a better State.
“He explained that the cars would help them to carry out their functions effectively and noted that in spite the low revenue profile of the State, his administration has continued to meet its obligations, while requesting them to assist in boosting the Internally Generated Revenue.”
