The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Sagbama Branch has backed calls to establish special courts to expedite the prosecution of cases involving kidnapping and banditry.

However, it expressed concern that the idea may be stalled due to logistical issues, including the employment of new judges, the building of courts and funding.

Its chairman, Mr Ogheneochuko Sampson, who spoke with reporters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, maintained that funding for special courts may be stalled due to a lack of political will in the executive arm.

He said, “However, the problem is not just creating the courts. Are the politicians ready to fund those courts? Are they ready to employ more judges? Infrastructure must also be provided.”

He faulted governors’ use of security votes, adding that the source of sophisticated weapons in criminals’ hands must be investigated.

His words, “The issue of insecurity still goes back to the executive arm of government. What are governments doing with their security budgets? How did these criminals come into possession of these firearms? These are questions that need to be answered and checked.”

He rated the relationship between the judiciary and the executive arms of Government in Bayelsa State as high, adding that the state’s excellent delivery of justice was due to improved infrastructure and welfare for judicial officers.

According to him, the administration of Gov. Douye Diri has encouraged quick and effective dispensation of justice even at state and local government levels, saying, “I can proudly tell you that the Bayelsa State judiciary is one of the best in Nigeria when it comes to infrastructure”.

“If you go around the local government areas, you will see some of the best courtroom infrastructure you can find in Nigeria. Before now, this was part of the reason judges sat in Yenagoa instead of some local government areas, largely because of security concerns.”

“Then, for a judge to travel by sea to Brass, for example, is not only expensive but also raises security issues. However, with the ongoing road project to Nembe-Brass, there is hope for improved access to justice. Access to justice in Ekeremor, Sagbama and others has improved tremendously.”

Continuing, “If I want to give a score to judicial performance in the state, I will give Bayelsa State 80 per cent. To be fair, the judges are really trying, and the justice system is moving in a positive direction. We are getting to a point where we can beat our chests about our progress. The justice system in Bayelsa State is lovely, and we have a wonderful relationship between the bar and the bench.” (The Nation)

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