ECOWAS: Tinubu to advance judicial reforms with determined support

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his unwavering commitment to advancing judicial reforms as Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.

Tinubu’s remarks came during a meeting at the State House in Abuja on Thursday with a delegation from the ECOWAS Judicial Council, led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the Council, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

In a statement released to the press by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, he affirmed his commitment to transforming democracy, noting the judiciary’s crucial role in safeguarding it.

”We are ready to support you as learned minds who have the requisite experience and institutional memory to comprehensively reform our institutions. I assure you as Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government that the judiciary is one of the pillars to protect our democracy and it is only in this regard that we can make a difference on the continent,” the President said.

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Tinubu commended judges from member states who participated in the two-day council meeting held in Abuja, applauding the successful conclusion of their deliberations.

He assured them that the Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS would give their recommendations their utmost consideration.

”We will work with you to ensure that your expertise is employed to promote justice in our democratic experiences on the continent and in the region. You are truly the last hope of the common man across our sub-region,” Tinubu added.

Representing the ECOWAS Judicial Council, Justice Ariwoola expressed the Council’s dedication to facilitating the efficient operation of the ECOWAS judicial system.

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Following its meeting in Abuja, the Council agreed to establish two sub-committees to address critical judicial issues within the region.

The first sub-committee will be tasked with revising the Council’s rules of procedure, which have been deemed inadequate.

Chief Justice Ariwoola revealed that members from Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Ghana, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone have been appointed to work on the Judicial Council’s rules of procedure.

Justice Ariwoola further explained that the Council of Ministers had entrusted the Judicial Council, in collaboration with the Commission and the Community Court, with addressing the enforcement of judgments issued by the Community Court.

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“The court, under the leadership of its President, has presented information that fully apprised the Judicial Council of the issues and challenges associated with enforcing judgments. Due to the matter’s complexity, the Judicial Council deemed it necessary to establish a second committee to tackle this issue. 

The members of this second sub-committee are representatives from Senegal, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cabo Verde, and Togo,” he added.

Justice Ariwoola concluded by stating that both sub-committees will present their findings to the Judicial Council, which will then formulate recommendations for the Authority of Heads of State and Government.