Our Judiciary Must Focus On S*xual Crimes – Fayemi

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has come out to urge the judiciary to accord special attention to issues of rape and sexual assault.

He recently revealed this in Ado Ekiti on Monday while swearing-in Justice John Oyewole Adeyeye as the Acting Chief Judge of the state to replace Justice Ayodeji Daramola.

According to him, vital and decisive action must be taken on s*xual offenders regularly as a result of the increasing cases of rape and defilement flooding the courts in recent times.

He also called for the review of salaries and allowances of judicial workers to safeguard the sanctity of the judiciary.

His words, “Your Lordship is uniquely positioned to have observed in recent times the increase in matters of rape and child defilement in our courts. My administration has enacted laws and enabled several policies aimed at reversing this scourge.”

“Among others, we have opened a register for sex offenders and we now publicly name and shame convicted sex offenders. I know that achieving the conviction of a sex offender is the outcome of proper investigation and diligent prosecution.”

“Strengthening and supporting the capacity of the Nigeria Police and the Ministry of Justice to enable sustainable convictions of sex offenders are priority goals of our zero-tolerance policy against all forms of sexual violence.”

“Permit me My Lords to add that the Judiciary also has an important role in our advocacy against sexual violence. Indeed My Lords, if there was ever a time when judicial activism is required on any matter, that time is now.”

“I am respectful of the opinion that our courts can and should go beyond the applicable law to consider the broader societal implications of its decisions in matters of sexual violence in this state. I strongly urge Your Lordships to review the rules and court procedures in a manner that will ensure the prioritisation and speedy consideration of matters of sexual violence.”

“I am aware that between 1999 till date, the Federal Government reviewed the salaries and allowances of Public Servants and Political officeholders on four occasions specifically in 2000, 2005, 2007 and 2011.”

“However, the salaries of judicial officers were only reviewed twice during the same period. As a result judicial officers have been on the same salary structure for more than 10 years. It may now be necessary for the NJC to provide leadership on possible renewed negotiations on this issue as part of a holistic discussion on judicial autonomy.”

“It is incontrovertible, the judiciary cannot uphold the rule of law or administer justice in splendid isolation. The rule of law is underpinned by a partnership among the three arms of government. The Executive and legislature must provide the resources, financial and administrative, necessary to maintain the judicial system.”