Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the minister of justice and attorney general of the federation (AGF), has urged the ECOWAS Judicial Council to start a reform-focused examination of the ECOWAS Court of Justice’s practice and procedure in order to prevent disputes with national courts.
According to him, the evaluation ought to help the court fulfil its aspirations to become a reputable regional court.
Speaking at the ECOWAS Judicial Council’s Statutory Meeting opening ceremony in Abuja, Fagbemi stated that in order to lessen the number of conflicting laws in the area, the council should also offer a reliable network for the advancement of consistent norms of practice and procedure in the administration of justice.
He stated that given the recent tremendous strain on the rule of law and democratic government, the ECOWAS Judicial Council is in an ideal position to contribute towards their advancement.
Fagbemi contends that the judiciary shouldn’t fall behind while the ECOWAS bloc works to unify its institutions and economic policies.
He claimed that, among other things, the issues facing the judiciary and the justice system as a whole in all of the West African states are similar in terms of judicial autonomy, funding, and court infrastructure.
According to him, member nations also face the same difficulties as the region when it comes to the economy, migration, integration, insecurity, and the upholding of fundamental rights.
To promote greater independence of the judiciary and a more prosperous and safer sub-region, the AGF enjoined the ECOWAS Judicial Council to use the regional platform as a means of peer review and idea cross-fertilization.
Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and Chairman of the ECOWAS Judicial Council, previously stated that the council’s goal is to guarantee a fair and just society.
He tasked member nations with defending the rule of law, promoting justice, and furthering the interests of peace and prosperity.
Eward Amoako Asante, the president of the Community Court of Justice, reaffirmed in his speech the ECOWAS Judicial Council’s commitment to preserving the values of justice, equity, and the rule of law across the ECOWAS Community.
He stated that the ECOWAS Court, which offers a forum for conflict settlement as well as the defence and upholding of fundamental rights, has been a ray of light for West Africans since its founding.