Felix Otaru, Lokoja
Kogi State Chief Judge, Justice Josiah Majebi has called for improved policing as a way to impact positively on criminal justice administration.
Justice Majebi made the call when the new Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye paid him a visit at the State Judiciary Headquarters in Lokoja.
The Chief Judge made the case for well-equipped and trained police personnel to add value to the criminal justice system.
“The essence of the visit is that in the Administration of Criminal Justice in the state, we are all partners and we always appreciate our partners who are performing and we urge those who are not to tell us their reasons for failing so that we can address them collectively. This is because the judiciary is always blamed in matters after court pronouncements despite the judiciary having other critical stakeholders. It is the facts presented before the court that qualify the court to either say the suspect is acquitted or jailed. But once a suspect is freed by the court, the judge is accused of taking bribe not knowing that he was left with the skeleton of the matter after the flesh and blood have been sucked. But here in Kogi State, we have Judges with high reputation who are ready to sacrifice their blood for justice. So we consider today important because you have come to assure us of your readiness to partner with us to achieve our collective goals” he stated.
“Being the first time I am receiving a new police commissioner for the state, I am glad that I am seeing humility in the Police Force. You come to say you have arrived and we will not take that for granted or abuse it. I appreciate your request for better synergy and collaboration with your institution so as to move the security of the state forward” the CJ added.
The CJ appreciated Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for prioritizing security of lives and property, saying the Governor has constituted a committee to reform the justice delivery system which will be inaugurated soon.
Earlier, the new Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, promised to work in close synergy with the judiciary in the administration of criminal justice.
Dantawaye who has ordered for the immediate decongestion of cells across Kogi State said only cases required by law would henceforth be taken to court which he said is in compliance with IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s directive.
