The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Hon Justice Josiah Majebi, says the presence of court in any community is an evidence of civilisation and an indication of adherence to rule of law by such community.
Justice Majebi made this assertion when he commissioned a Senior Magistrate’s Court at Imane in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State.
His words, “A society that has faith in administration of justice and also prepares to make a conducive environment for its achievement is a civilized society.”
The Chief Judge inaugurated the court following the community’s concerted effort to have the court located in the area.
He, therefore, commended the people’s efforts and thanked those who worked tirelessly 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 having made sacrifices to ensure you have this court today, is a testimony to the fact that you are civilized”.
He added that the presence of the court would encourage investment by guaranteeing investors’ security.
“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 the criminals will be taken to court for prosecution. That confidence will be built that their investment would be protected and their presence in the community secured. So I want to say that as your community is attractive and advancing, with the establishment of this court, I assure you that whatever progress you may have made before now, you will progress more.”
He emphasized that the court was there to sanction law breakers, stressing that courts are meant to regulate the conduct of individuals.
“The court commissioning today is to take care of your legal needs here as far as criminal matters are to be found here. We don’t establish courts to encourage criminals. We establish courts to sanction and regulate the conduct of individuals. So I want you to look at it that we are not calling for customers to that court from this society.
“When a court is established, it is also a warning to you not to commit crime because there’s sanction awaiting you if you do.
“Therefore, the court is here to sanction conducts that breach the law and at the same time, serve as signpost for you to know that there is punishment for every breach of the law.”
“We should also talk to our youths that the court is here to take care of those who misbehave. Though I believe that we are not going to be sending people from here to prison arbitrarily, just as my lord has advised just now, please warn yourselves” he added.
