Olasunmibo Aboluwade, Abuja
Foremost pro-democracy and Civil Rights Organisation, the Campaign for Democracy has said the appointment of Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), as the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice in Ondo State would lead to series of judicial reforms that has never been witnessed in the sunshine state.
The President of CD, Pastor Ifeanyi Odili, stated this in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Monday.
The statement read in part, “With Ajulo, in the Ministry of justice, our judicial system will witness tremendous transformation, unlike the previous ones. This is because I know Kayode very well.
“He is a very respectful, humble, caring, God fearing, fearless and dogged young man. Judiciary staffers and those in his Ministry will enjoy his stay unlike his predecessors.
“Candidly speaking, in the new cabinet as constituted by Mr. Governor, Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa, I see two personalities: Kayode Ajulo and Olamide Falana who I had prayed for.
“Since the formation of CD, we have not visited any State Commissioner across Nigeria, but we have vowed to pay him a visit.
“This is because, apart from the fact that we know his sagacity, and ability to deliver, we have a lot respect for him and a lot to discuss with him too, because there are lots in our judicial system that needed to be critically looked into, which requires an AG and Commissioner for Justice like him.
“Since the administration of Dr. Olusegun Agagu, when I was Personal Assistant to the Governor on Human Rights, I proposed an outright abrogation of holding charge in Ondo State judicial system.
“We considered the practice as unnecessary and evil. Many people, both the innocent ones are languishing in prison on account of holding charge.
“This is man’s inhumanity to man. Also,
bail condition in Ondo state is too strigent and difficult since we all know the concept of bail and suretyship.
“A situation where a murder case is brought before a magistrate that does not have the jurisdiction to preside over will undoubtedly violate the fundamental human right of such an acused person.
“This is because, the magistrate will send the accused person to Correctional Center pending the outcome of DPP advise which may not come until about five to six years.
“Some states have long abrogated this type of Judicial system in their states. This is where some judiciary officers are taking care of their narrow fancies, feeding fact at the detriment of innocent persons who are standing trials.
“The day his name was announced as a Cabinet member, I was very elated because I know he will put in his very best because of his wealth of experience. Meaning that Ayedatiwa is ready to positively transform judiciary in Ondo State,” the CD concluded
