The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Omar Touray have called for improved collaboration among judicial systems in member states.
They noted that an effective justice system in the sub-region was capable of addressing the many challenges plaguing West African states, including security.
Justice Ariwoola, Fagbemi, and Touray spoke in Abuja on Tuesday during the opening session of the Statutory ECOWAS Judicial Council (EJC) meeting that would be held between February 20 and 22.
The CJN, who is presiding over the meeting being attended by Chief Justices of ECOWAS countries, urged West African leaders to reaffirm their commitment to the ideals of justice, equity, and solidarity and work together to build a just region for the people.
He assured that the EJC, under his leadership, would continue to pay attention to addressing situations that threaten the Judiciary system in West Africa.
The CJN added that the various national judicial systems in member states are expected to contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.
Justice Ariwoola said EJC though not widely known like other bodies, has been playing crucial roles in maintaining the rules of law and justice within the region.
The CJN said the EJC, which comprises eminent jurists from West African states has also been serving as the guardian of the rule of law and the protector of human rights within the region.
Fagbemi said: “As we are all well aware, we are in an era where the foundational principles of the Economic Community of West African States are being tested and this reinforces the need for the Community’s Justice System to respond appropriately to contemporary issues in order to engender justice, fairness and inspire confidence in Community citizens.
“It is therefore critical that the Community Court of Justice continues to undergo necessary reforms to bring it in tandem with the current exigencies and manage the challenges associated with justice delivery in the region.
“The court must adopt strategies that strengthen its jurisdiction, whilst appreciating the jurisdictional boundaries of the court and limiting unnecessary conflict with domestic laws of member states.
“It is important for the Court to pay attention to the peculiarities of member States and refrain from issuing orders and judgments that are practically incapable of enforcement.
“There is also a dire need to promote and deepen alternative dispute resolution measures within the region.”
Touray noted that the enforcement of the judgments of the ECOWAS Community Court has remained a major issue in the effective delivery of the mandate and responsibility of the judicial institution to the community citizens.
He said: “The supplementary protocol relating to the Community Court provides a role for the national judicial institutions in the enforcement of these judgments. I believe that it is time for deliberate action to be taken to address this challenge.
“In this era, where instability and insecurity are overwhelming our community, the role of the justice sector is crucial in conflict prevention, through the promotion and defence of the rule of law and human rights.
“It is, therefore, crucial to institutionalise a more regular meeting of the Judicial Council to ensure that the activities of the court benefit from the regular review and guidance of the council.”