ICT proficiency to be considered in judges’ promotion – CJN

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen has
said that proficiency in the use of information and communication
technology (ICT) will soon became an item in considering promotion
of judicial officers.

Onnghen urges judges and magistrates to enhance their knowledge
of ICT usage and ensure they in continuous learning as the society,
more than ever before, expects a smart and efficient judiciary.

He urged judcial officers and magistrates to always be guided by
their code of conduct to enable the Judiciary retain its integrity
and confidence in the eyes of the public.

The CJN spoke at the 2018 refresher course for magistrates,
organised by the National Judicial Institute, Abuja. It has as its
theme: “Promoting excellence in the administration of judtice in
the lower courts.”

Onnoghen said the course is intended to renew the culture of
excellence and create avenue for magistrates from different
jurisdictions to exchange ideas and enhance their professional
skills.

He said: “I urge you to ensure that you are proficient in the
use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

“Indeed, I must inform you that e-proficiency will become a
veritable pre-requisite for career advancement within our Judiciary
in no distant future.

“Therefore, it will be in your own interest to key in these
reforms, in order not to be left behind like a fossil, while the
rest of the Judiciary make the evolutionary leap into an automated
Judiciary.

“No doubt, technology has gradually transformed the manner in
which activities in our courts are carried out, such as service of
court processes, record keeping and retrieval of data and other
operations.

“I therefore urge you to embrace technology in discharging your
judicial responsibilities within the ambit of the law.

“Let me remind you that with the rapid growth of our population
and advancement in technologies, the challenges of dispute
resolution in the 21st Century are enormous.

“We are therefore faced with an ever present clamour and demand
for speedy, affordable and efficient administration of justice.

“Our ability to respond to the growing demands of judicial
services goes a long way in determining our credibility and
integrity. “You will agree with me that we must continuously rise
to the occasion in order to justify public confidence reposed in
the Judiciary.

“It is pertinent to remind you as magistrates, that you must be
mindful of your professional duties as well as the ethical content
of our Code of Conduct for Judicial officers.

“It is an indispensible guide to the proper conduct and
performance of your duties. The Code ode Conduct for judicial
officers embodies the best ethical practices that we must adopt if
we are to uphold our independence and respect for the rule of
law.

“I urge you to always take charge of your courts in the
discharge of your judicial functions.

“You must remain diligent, conscientious and imbibe the fear of
the Almighty God in the discharge of your duties,” Onnoghen
said.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen has
said that proficiency in the use of information and communication
technology (ICT) will soon became an item in considering promotion
of judicial officers.

Onnghen urges judges and magistrates to enhance their knowledge
of ICT usage and ensure they in continuous learning as the society,
more than ever before, expects a smart and efficient judiciary.

He urged judcial officers and magistrates to always be guided by
their code of conduct to enable the Judiciary retain its integrity
and confidence in the eyes of the public.

The CJN spoke at the 2018 refresher course for magistrates,
organised by the National Judicial Institute, Abuja. It has as its
theme: “Promoting excellence in the administration of judtice in
the lower courts.”

Onnoghen said the course is intended to renew the culture of
excellence and create avenue for magistrates from different
jurisdictions to exchange ideas and enhance their professional
skills.

He said: “I urge you to ensure that you are proficient in the
use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

“Indeed, I must inform you that e-proficiency will become a
veritable pre-requisite for career advancement within our Judiciary
in no distant future.

“Therefore, it will be in your own interest to key in these
reforms, in order not to be left behind like a fossil, while the
rest of the Judiciary make the evolutionary leap into an automated
Judiciary.

“No doubt, technology has gradually transformed the manner in
which activities in our courts are carried out, such as service of
court processes, record keeping and retrieval of data and other
operations.

“I therefore urge you to embrace technology in discharging your
judicial responsibilities within the ambit of the law.

“Let me remind you that with the rapid growth of our population
and advancement in technologies, the challenges of dispute
resolution in the 21st Century are enormous.

“We are therefore faced with an ever present clamour and demand
for speedy, affordable and efficient administration of justice.

“Our ability to respond to the growing demands of judicial
services goes a long way in determining our credibility and
integrity. “You will agree with me that we must continuously rise
to the occasion in order to justify public confidence reposed in
the Judiciary.

“It is pertinent to remind you as magistrates, that you must be
mindful of your professional duties as well as the ethical content
of our Code of Conduct for Judicial officers.

“It is an indispensible guide to the proper conduct and
performance of your duties. The Code ode Conduct for judicial
officers embodies the best ethical practices that we must adopt if
we are to uphold our independence and respect for the rule of
law.

“I urge you to always take charge of your courts in the
discharge of your judicial functions.

“You must remain diligent, conscientious and imbibe the fear of
the Almighty God in the discharge of your duties,” Onnoghen
said.