A robust and productive partnership between government and citizens is one of the easiest and quickest means through which sustainable development can be attained in the country.
The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Hon. Justice Josiah Joe Majebi, made this assertion yesterday at Mopa in Mopa/Muro LGA of Kogi State when he inaugurated a division of the High Court of justice of the state.
Justice Majebi maintained that the seemingly elusive development of the various aspects of the nation’s economy and critical sectors owes to the dearth of professionals’ involvement, participation or partnership with government to offer their expertise and other resources to targeted at bettering the lots of the people and their communities.
The CJ therefore appreciated the contributions made by illustrious sons and daughters of the Mopa community towards the construction, furnishing and eventual inauguration of the court stressing that the availability of the court in the community would attract further developments to the area apart from bringing justice closer to the people.
He said the availability of the court was an indication that the people were a peace-loving people who prefer to go through the court processes to resolve disputes.
In appreciating the community and such individuals as Chief Duro Adeyele, SAN and retired Brig. General Abiodun Samuel who chaired the community’s High Court Project Committee, the CJ said it was a demonstration that they value partnership with government, and the judiciary in particular, to ensure peace through the administration of justice in the area.
“We are giving you a division of the highest court of the land here in Mopa today. We appreciate the entire community and those of you, in and outside the community, that God has used to achieve this.
“You have the feeling of your people because you believe that economically, you cannot access justice when the court is far away. In this instance, this court will not only attract investment by giving confidence to investors, people from here would no longer have to travel as far as Isanlu, Egbe, Kabba or even Lokoja to access justice.
“Availability of this court is a sign that your interest is in your peace, progress and the unity of your society which the court also represents. So I appreciate all of you who contributed to making this a reality and are also present here to make this a memorable day for this community” he added.
Dwelling further on the essence of the court, he said: “What the presence of this court here means is that you have shown that you have the highest level of discipline as a society because it has portrayed you as a people who understand what is important and relevant to the society.”
The CJ who admonished them on providing adequate security for the court and its staff however reminded them that the court is a symbol of government presence and cannot be claimed to be owned by any individual or group. He further cautioned them against attempting to compromise the judge and staffers of the court stating that whoever is found wanting in that regard wouldn’t be spared by the law.
Earlier, the National President, Mopa Welfare Society, Chief Samuel Elere; and representative of the community’s traditional council had respectively appreciated the judiciary for opening the door for the community’s involvement in its development.
In his own words, Chief Duro Adeyele, SAN, said Mopa was once the home of justice of Yagba Land with Obaro Aloko being the first unified traditional ruler of Mopa and eventually the paramount chief of Yagba Land as custodian of the court. He said the Chief was only eventually caught by the web of the divide and rule policy of the colonialists and consequently all Mopa was able to get from the judiciary was an Area Court.
He gladly disclosed therefore that the construction of the new Court commenced around 2011 when he had an interaction with the late Chief Judge of the state, Hon Justice Nasiru Ajanah.
He was thus elated to be part of a new chapter of Mopa history witnessing the commissioning of the division of the High Court of justice of kogi state in Mopa.
“This is justice at grassroot and I commend all and sundry in Mopa and indeed Mopamuro for this achievement. Our students can now come to the court under the guide of their teachers to see the court proceeding in action. They may ginger some of them to work harder so they can come to this court to work either as staff of the court or as lawyers.
“I am particularly gratified that during my time as the Olumofin of Mopa this commissioning is happening. Let me add my belief that the soul of our departed Elulu must be rejoicing wherever he is that this is happening today.” He said
He as well seized the opportunity to thank “all Mopa sons and daughters, their friends and acquaintances who contributed generously to get this structure good and habitable enough to house a High Court.”
