The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Sagbama Branch, has backed calls for the establishment of special courts for the speedy prosecution of cases involving kidnapping and banditry.

It expressed concern that the initiative could be hindered by logistical challenges, including the appointment of additional judges, construction of court facilities and adequate funding.

Chairman of the branch, Mr. Ogheneochuko Sampson, who spoke with reporters in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, maintained that the funding of special courts could be hampered by a lack of political will on the part of the executive arm of government.

He said: “However, the problem is not just creating the courts. Are the politicians ready to fund those courts? Are they ready to employ more judges? Infrastructure must also be provided.”

Sampson also faulted the use of security votes by governors, stressing that the source of sophisticated weapons in the hands of criminals must be investigated.

“The issue of insecurity still goes back to the executive arm of government. What are governments doing with their security budgets?

“How did these criminals come into possession of these firearms? These are questions that need to be answered and addressed,” he said.

He rated the relationship between the judiciary and executive arms of government in Bayelsa State highly, adding that the effective delivery of justice in the state was largely due to improved infrastructure and welfare for judicial officers.

According to him, the administration of Governor Douye Diri has encouraged the quick and efficient dispensation of justice at both the state and local government levels.

“I can proudly tell you that the Bayelsa State judiciary is one of the best in Nigeria when it comes to infrastructure.”

“If you go around the local government areas, you will see some of the best courtroom infrastructure you can find in Nigeria.

“Before now, this was one of the reasons judges sat in Yenagoa instead of some local government areas, largely because of security concerns.

“Then, for a judge to travel by sea to Brass, for example, it was not only expensive but also raised security concerns.

“However, with the ongoing Nembe-Brass Road project, there is hope for improved access to justice. Access to justice in Ekeremor, Sagbama and other areas has improved tremendously.”

Continuing, he said: “If I want to give a score to judicial performance in the state, I will give Bayelsa State 80 per cent. To be fair, the judges are really trying, and the justice system is moving positively.

“We are getting to a point where we can beat our chests about our progress. The justice system in Bayelsa State is admirable, and we have a wonderful relationship between the Bar and the Bench.”

Source: The Nation News