Posted by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has urged authorities in West Africa to create a flourishing area for future generations by implementing fair policies.He noted that this is now essential because of the region’s current economic, political, and leadership problems.
While formally opening Tuesday’s meeting of the Statutory ECOWAS Judicial Council at Abuja’s National Judicial Council, Justice Ariwoola made the announcement.
During the meeting that is being presided over by the Chief Justices of West African Countries, the CJN urged the leaders of West African countries to stand united in their pursuit of justice, equity, and solidarity, and to join forces in order to create a fair area for their people.
Although the ECOWAS Judicial Council (EJC) is not as well-known as other organizations, Justice Ariwoola emphasized that it plays an essential role in upholding justice and the rule of law in the region.
The CJN also clarified that the Council, which included distinguished legal scholars from West African states, has been acting as a watchdog over human rights and the rule of law in the area.
Furthermore, the ECOWAS Judicial Council is vital in mediating disagreements among member states, guaranteeing that issues are settled amicably and legally.
Harmonization of laws and legal practices is crucial for strengthening regional integration and collaboration, according to the CJN, who also noted that the Western Region is known for its different legal systems and traditions.
Inadequate financing, capacity restrictions, and the need to strengthen cooperation are among the problems faced by the ECOWAS Judicial Council, according to the CJN. Despite these accomplishments, the Council continues to make great achievements in upholding justice and the rule of law in West Africa.
He went on to say that the Council is a symbol of hope and advancement in the fight for justice and regional integration in West Africa, and that despite the difficulties, there are chances for creativity and cooperation as they work together to overcome common problems and create a better future for the area.
Under his leadership, the Council will keep addressing threats to the West African judiciary and the Community Court of Justice’s organization, he promised.
This is one way the Court helps keep the peace and stability in the area. “These critical roles of nation and regional building are also expected of the various national judicial systems in member states,” he said.
In order for the Council to fulfill its mandate of guaranteeing an integrated West Africa, he pleaded for support.
Speaking at the event, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Minister of Justice, and Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, urged the ECOWAS Court of Justice to consider the unique circumstances of each member state and avoid making decisions that are practically impossible to implement.
The AGF emphasized the critical importance of bolstering and expanding West African alternative dispute settlement mechanisms.
The speaker emphasized the importance of the ECOWAS Court implementing measures to enhance its authority, but also acknowledging its limits and minimizing any needless interference with member states’ indigenous laws.
According to Fagbemi, the ECOWAS Court needs to hire highly experienced, knowledgeable, ethical, and disciplined jurists due to the wide scope of its authority.
In light of the present crises and the difficulties in delivering justice in the area, he emphasized that the Community Court of Justice must undergo the essential modifications.
Omar Touray, president of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), stressed the importance of the judiciary in his lecture on the need to address instability and insecurity in the West African Subregion.
The importance of the judicial sector in preventing conflicts through promoting and defending human rights and the rule of law cannot be overstated in this moment of overwhelming instability and insecurity, he stated.
He began by saying that the Community Court has served as a go-to for ECOWAS institutions and anyone looking for guidance, arbitration, or adjudication. He went on to say that the ECOWAS Judicial Council’s regular session is crucial for addressing issues that hinder the Community Court’s efficiency and for ensuring excellence and high standards of behavior.
“A significant challenge in effectively fulfilling the mission and duty of the court to the people of the community has been the enforcement of the Community Court’s judgments,” he stated.