The presence of court in any community is an evidence of civilisation and an indication of adherence to rule of law by such community.
Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, made the assertion during the inauguration of a Senior Magistrate’s Court at Imane in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State.
“Community that has faith in administration of justice and also prepared to make a conducive environment for its achievement is a civilised society.”
Majebi inaugurated the court following the community’s concerted effort to have the court located in the area.
He commended the people’s efforts and thanked those who worked for the establishment of the court, noting that the community has demonstrated its level of civility.
“I want to thank all of you that made donations and sacrifices for the attainment of this judicial height in this community. The Imane people, having taken the trouble and made sacrifices to ensure you have this court today, is a testimony to the fact that you are civilized,” Majebi said.
He added that the presence of the court will encourage investment by guaranteeing investors’ security.
He said as an avenue for quick resolution of disputes, availability of court aids foreign investments as it encourages would-be investors to communities.
“Having courts close to you is an evidence of civilisation. It will eventually lead to the development of the area by attracting investors who will believe that when criminal activities are perpetrated against them, the police will arrest and take the perpetrators to court for prosecution.
“That confidence will be built that their investment will be protected and their presence in the community secured.
“So, I want to say that as your community is advancing, with the establishment of this court, I assure you that whatever progress you may have made before now, you will progress more,” Majebi said.
While cautioning the residents, the court judge said that the court is there to sanction law breakers, saying courts are meant to regulate the conduct of individuals.
Earlier, the traditional ruler of the community, the Odaojiji Imane, Ibrahim Calistus Salifu, who hosted the chief judge and his entourage in his palace, recalled how the judiciary was instrumental to his enthronement through a Supreme Court judgment.
He also said it was the first time in the history of the community and the state, to receive a dignitary of such calibre as Chief Judge and appreciated the judiciary for the honour given to the community.
He said he had always held the judiciary in esteem, especially after the Supreme Court affirmed his nomination before coronation as the 18th Onaojiji of Imane Kingdom, adding that the establishment of the court in his community has further reaffirmed his selection as the monarch of the community.
On his part, Justice Abdul Awulu was appreciative of the judiciary, just as he cautioned the community and the youths in particular, against acts capable of sending them to jail.
National President of the Imane Development Union (IDU), Chief Donatus Okpe, said the inauguration of the court offered an auspicious occasion being the first after Imane became a district under British Colonial government in 1922.
He was optimistic that the court will be used to check criminalities, as he was grateful, on behalf of the community for the honour bestowed on them with the presence of the court.
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