Sound health is not a luxury for a Judicial Officer. It is an indispensable instrument of sound adjudication. If we truly desire justice that is timely, intelligent, patient and well-reasoned, then we must build a judicial system in which those who administer justice can work with dignity, technology, adequate remuneration and peace of mind
By Moruff O. Balogun, Esq.
In my recent piece, “Now That the Vacation Is Almost Over, Dear Lawyers, Please Take Care of Yourself,” I counselled members of the Bar on the need to take their health and wellness seriously. It is only fair that the same admonition be extended to our noble Lords—the Judex.
The Judex occupies a pivotal position in the administration of justice. Indeed, a courtroom without a Judex is no more than a sitting room. Judges sit for long hours, listen attentively to arguments, read voluminous processes, conduct trials, research extensively and painstakingly prepare rulings and judgments. These responsibilities carry enormous physical and mental demands.
Section 17(3)(b) and (c) of the 1999 Constitution recognises the importance of just and humane working conditions and the safeguarding of the health, safety and welfare of persons in employment. The NJC Code of Conduct equally requires Judicial Officers to devote adequate time to their duties and to be punctual and expeditious in determining matters.
But how can we continually demand maximum output from our Judges without paying sufficient attention to their wellbeing?
I respectfully appeal to the Federal and State Governments, through the appropriate authorities, to review the salaries, allowances and general conditions of service of Judicial Officers. A Judge who is the last hope of the common man should not himself live under avoidable financial pressure.
This appeal is not merely about money. It is about dignity, efficiency, health and longevity.
Modern judicial technology should be made available to every Judicial Officer, including those in the lower courts. Electronic recording and transcription, reliable computers, digital research facilities, efficient internet connectivity, adequate power supply and competent support staff can substantially reduce the physical and mental burden on the Judex.
I must specially commend Lagos State for its commendable strides in this regard. From my observation, many Judges in Lagos no longer have to undertake the laborious task of longhand recording. Some courts in Ogun State are also moving in that direction. I am aware, for instance, of the court of Hon. Justice Catherine Ogunsanya at the Ijebu-Ode Division of the Ogun State High Court, where proceedings are electronically recorded, significantly reducing the stress associated with manual recording.
These are not luxuries. They are necessities.
Government should also provide comfortable and ergonomic courtrooms, adequate judicial assistants and support staff, proper accommodation, safe transportation where necessary, regular medical screening and accessible healthcare. Judges should be encouraged to take their vacations, rest adequately, exercise and make time for family and personal renewal. Reasonable workloads and adequate staffing are equally essential to judicial health and longevity.
But this responsibility should not rest with Government alone.
The Nigerian Bar Association, both at the National and Branch levels, must equally lend its voice. The NBA Constitution recognises, among its objects, the maintenance and defence of the integrity and independence of the Bar and the Judiciary. The Branch Bye-Laws similarly recognise the maintenance of the honour and independence of the Judiciary and the improvement of the administration of justice as important objectives.
We must not wait until a Judge breaks down before we realise that the institution needs him or her healthy and strong. Let us advocate for better working conditions for our Judges—not to pamper them, but to enable them to serve longer, healthier and better. A healthy Judex is better positioned to deliver sound judgment
The Bar must therefore see the welfare and working conditions of Judicial Officers as part of the larger struggle for an effective, independent and credible justice system. Advocacy for better remuneration, improved court infrastructure, modern technology, adequate staffing and judicial welfare should be a continuing Bar–Bench conversation.
Indeed, defending the Judiciary does not mean defending every act of a Judicial Officer. It means defending an institution that is indispensable to democracy and the rule of law, while constructively advocating reforms that enable it to function better.
My noble Lords, while you labour to preserve the sanctity of justice, please remember to preserve yourselves too. Take adequate rest. Eat properly. Exercise. Attend to routine medical examinations. Take your vacations seriously. Make time for family, recreation and spiritual renewal.
Sound health is not a luxury for a Judicial Officer. It is an indispensable instrument of sound adjudication.
If we truly desire justice that is timely, intelligent, patient and well-reasoned, then we must build a judicial system in which those who administer justice can work with dignity, technology, adequate remuneration and peace of mind.
Let the Government do its part. Let the NJC do its part. Let the NBA—National and Branch—do its part. Let the Bench itself embrace healthy living.
We must not wait until a Judge breaks down before we realise that the institution needs him or her healthy and strong.
Let us advocate for better working conditions for our Judges—not to pamper them, but to enable them to serve longer, healthier and better.
A healthy Judex is better positioned to deliver sound judgment.
•Moruff O. Balogun, Esq.
Former Vice Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Ijebu Ode Branch.
•Opinions, positions or thoughts expressed here are personal and strictly of the writer/author and do not represent the views of The Daily Crucible.
