Christian Lawyers’ Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON) has called on the Lagos State Government to elevate magistrates from the lower bench to the state High Court of Justice.
It advocated that 30 percent of all vacancies in the state High Court to be reserved for magistrates that have excelled in the discharge of their duties.
Prince Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, Lagos State chairman of CLASFON, made the call during the inaugural session of the Magistrates-Lawyers Discourse in Lagos at the weekend.
He said that magistrates play critical roles in the dispensation of justice, especially at grassroots and in the communities, adding that it is important to recognize their roles and reward them accordingly.
He called on the state government to improve on the working conditions of magistrates, advocating improved funding of the Magistrates Court system in the state.
Onuakalusi also called on the state government to establish a reward system mechanism that would reward excellence and diligence in the unique services provided by magistrates.
