Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has advocated for virtual court hearing for non-contentious cases as well as the establishment of designated courts with mandate to prioritized commercial cases.
Speaking during the swearing-in of the new Chief Judge for Ekiti State, Justice John Adeyeye, the Governor also canvassed the need for the State to introduce electronic filing system, especially for commercial cases and create alternative dispute resolution framework that would include incentives for mediation.
The Governor also urged the judiciary on urgent need to strengthen small claims court which he considered a simplified procedure to resolve small claims.
“No less desirable is an alternative dispute resolution framework. One that could possibly include incentives for mediation. I have also had cause to ask the Attorney- General whether Ekiti State is not at the point when we should consider virtual court hearings especially for non-contentious matters.
“I have also wondered whether the state judiciary is able to introduce electronic filing system at least for commercial cases. In addition given concerns about speed in dealing with commercial cases, I have asked whether it is not possible to identify a specific court as a commercial court with a mandate to prioritise commercial matters without prejudice to other matters that may be heard in the same court.“
Speaking further, the Governor stressed the need for the State to convene a Justice, crime prevention and security cluster to comprise the Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, Correctional Services, Police, Civil defence and AMOTEKUN. According to him, “The purpose of the cluster will essentially reduce crime by improving the efficiency of our criminal justice system”.
“This proposed cluster is about strengthening coordination and better communication among different agencies within the cluster. This coordination gives government a framework for achieving its vision on building safer communities.
“Like other states in the Federation, Ekiti State is witnessing its own fair share of security challenges. It seems to me that we are now at that point where the judiciary needs to be part of on-going interventions in response to these security concerns.
“The purpose of the cluster will essentially be to reduce crime by improving the efficiency of our criminal justice system. This proposed cluster is about strengthening coordination and better communication among different agencies within the cluster. This coordination gives government a framework for achieving its vision on building safer communities.
Dr Fayemi also urged the Judicial Service Commission to consider the desirability of ensuring that qualified young lawyers especially women were given opportunity to be appointed to the bench, adding that the state judiciary should make efforts to target suitable candidates under the age of 40.
“No less important is the need for female judges in the high court of Ekiti State. My administration firmly believes in the desirability of enabling appropriate environment for the appointment of women to decision-making positions.
” Our current situation cannot be said to be satisfactory and I hope Your Lordship will agree with me on the need to ensure that qualified female lawyers are given the space to aspire to the bench of the high court of Ekiti State.’he said .
Earlier, Justice Adeyeye, in his address had promised to key into the concept of virtual court hearing and ensure that delay in dispensation of justice becomes a thing of the past.
Meanwhile, Fayemi, on Monday, signed into law the state’s Mental Health Service bill and promised to prioritise qualitative health services delivery to the people.
Fayemi, while signing the bill into law, stressed the importance of ensuring that people living with mental disorders have access to appropriate care.
According to him, catering for the welfare of all members of the society regardless of their physical, mental or social status was indicative of the level of commitment to delivering universal health coverage.
“The new law would protect, provide care and treat persons living with mental health disorders in order to save them from unnecessary stigma and marginalisation.
“This aspect when not protected would have increased the likelihood of their human rights being violated,” he said
Fayemi noted that the framework would handle critical issues of hospitalisation and provision of high quality care among others.
The Governor said the core objectives of the law includes establishing purpose-built mental health facilities and medical Social Work Department and units in selected secondary and tertiary medical facilities.
Others are to guarantee the protection of persons suffering from mental disorder or illness and substance abuse in the state.
He said that the law would ensure that every person living with mental disorders have access to mental health care facilities by receiving and being admitted for treatment in a designated facility.
“As I sign this bill into law, I am fully convinced that the people of Ekiti State will be the best for it.
“This law is another promise kept in our pursuit to deliver qualitative, people-centred healthcare solution to Ekiti Kete that leaves no one behind..
“It will complement other efforts towards ensuring adequate health and social protection for our people, and we are grateful to God for the privilege of being the instrument through which His love for the vulnerable amongst us is demonstrated,” he said.
Earlier, Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Mrs Bisi Fayemi, appreciated the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Funminiyi Afuye and his colleagues, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Olawale Fapohunda and the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Bamji Filani, for the policy framework and speedy passage of the bill.
She noted the difficulty that might arise from driving the various initiatives of the administration without necessary legal and policy framework.
The wife of the governor explained that as the Chair of Gender Based Violence Management Committee, she was aware of the connection between mental health and gender-based violence.
She said that was the reason she had remained a strong advocate for a mental health bill.
In his remarks, Funminiyi Afuye, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, said that the mental health law has made Ekiti stand out as a clear leader in legislative governance which concern the health and well-being of the people.
