Gov. Simon of Lalong of Plateau, has tasked the Nigerian judiciary on quick dispensation of justice, saying “it must remain the hope of the common man, and give hope to the people, especially with the current challenges Nigeria is experiencing.
The governor made the call at a state banquet, organised for the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, to commemorate her first year anniversary in office on Saturday at Government House, Jos.
“I appeal to my Lord to push forward with all the reforms of the judiciary, to enhance quick dispensation of justice and an improved working environment,” he said.
The governor urged the celebrant to remain focused in discharging her duties, in spite of likely pressure to make her compromise, saying she is held in high esteem by young lawyers and judges who see her as their role model.
The governor said that her position as the President of the Court of Appeal is also an encouragement to women, saying “this proves that women can break all barriers to attain the peak of their careers.”
He said that Plateau is proud of Justice Dongban-Mensem’s impeccable record of integrity and resourcefulness, and expressed confidence that her attributes will pave way for more opportunities for Plateau citizens in key appointments.
He said his administration is committed to improving the services of the judiciary, through the training of more lawyers and the commencement of judiciary’s autonomy in the state.
According to Gov. Lalong, approval has been given for the establishment of the faculty of law at the state university.
In his remarks, the Chief Judge of Plateau, Justice Yakubu Dakwak, urged Justice Dongba-Mensem to be inclusive in her duties, adding that the state will keep seeking her professional and ethical advice on judicial matters.
Also speaking, Mr Yakubu Bawa, the Plateau chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, lauded Justice Dongba-Mensem for her humanitarian services in improving the welfare of the girl child through her scholarship programmes.
Responding, Justice Dongban-Mensem thanked the governor for honoring her, saying that she would continue to do her best with prayers from the people.
She called for prayers for the leadership of the country, saying “We must pray for our leaders. That is the only way to make progress. We must respect and honour our leaders.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a golf tournament and a thanksgiving mass were organised in the state to commemorate her first year anniversary in office.
Dongba-Mensem, 64, hails from Shendam Local Govt. of Plateau, and was appointed the president of the court of appeal in June, 2020. (NAN)
