Justice Dongban-Mensem Commends Lalong For Giving Plateau Judiciary A Facelift

Yakubu Busari, Jos

The President, of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has commended Governor Simon Bako Lalong for improving service delivery in quick dispensation of justice and world standard edifice to motivate the staff and bar to function effectively.

She described the judiciary as the last resort for the administration of justice for the common man saying that to administer justice to the people, the judiciary must be provided with tools for effective functionality which includes a conducive environment for effective adjudication.

The Appeal Court President made this statement during the inauguration ceremony held at the Plateau State High Court complex and the Multi-door Court House.

His Excellency, Gov. Lalong (m), Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Deputy Gov (r), Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President Court of Appeal arrived the premises of Plateau State High Court Complex on Friday

Justice Dongban-Mensem appreciated Governor Simon Lalong, for completing the complex which was started by the administration of Jonah David Jang

She further thanked the Governor for providing such an environment and granting autonomy to the judiciary noting that synergy between the three arms of government was necessary to ensure good governance.

Justice Dongban-Mensem also stated that the construction of the multi-door courtroom has provided an alternative for dispute resolution in the state and urged the residents to adopt the approach for peaceful coexistence.

She expressed concerns over attacks and crisis in some communities in the state saying the culture of mediation should be adopted to forestall such situation.

In his remarks, the Chief Judge of Plateau, David Mann said that no democratic government can operate without a functional judicial system.

Gov Simon Lalong being welcomed at the premises of the High Court Complex by some members of Plateau State EXCO

He described the judiciary as a fortress of ensuring order in the state and plays a role in binding the organs of the government to forestall anarchy.

Also speaking, Governor Simon Lalong said that the edifice has been designed and equipped with modern facilities to ensure a conducive environment for the judiciary in the administration of justice.

He described the judiciary as central to the survival and growth of democracy and peace, stability, and harmony of the society at large.

‘’In this complex, there are nine courts that can sit simultaneously and comfortably. This is in addition to various halls, library, and associated services that make the facility highly attractive,’’ he said.

Lalong added that his administration swore in 27 judges for the High Court, Sharia, and Customary Courts of Appeal.

He said that the Multi-door Courthouse as a centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution was established to create room to settle disputes without necessarily going through the court system.

Governor Lalong expressed confidence that the high court complex would challenge the judicial officers to discharge their duties diligently and give their best without favour affection or ill will.

The event was in continuation of projects commissioning by the outgoing Administration of Gov. Lalong.