Sanwo-Olu advocates for justice for all citizens

IBRAHIM QUADRI

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday charged those in the judicial system to always accelerate judicial process and ensure no one is denied of justice.

 

Sanwo-Olu said this at the opening ceremony of the sensitization outreach and external Court sessions of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice held in Lagos on Monday.

 

Sanwo-Olu said, “Let us renew our commitment to safeguarding human rights, bolstering legal systems, and ensuring that everyone, especially the most vulnerable, has access to justice.

 

By encouraging collaboration and leveraging innovative partnerships like those between the ECOWAS Court and organizations such as the UNHCR, we can tackle the urgent challenges our region faces and make sure that the ideals of equity, peace, and prosperity are a reality for every citizen.

 

“As we kick off the sessions of this event, I encourage everyone, judges, legal professionals, civil society members, and the public, to participate openly and with a collective sense of purpose. Let us use this forum to promote justice, enhance our regional ties, and tap into the incredible potential of our West African community.

 

“Only by coming together and dedicating ourselves to the rule of law can we truly build a peaceful, thriving, and inclusive West African community where everyone’s rights are safeguarded and opportunities are plentiful. Today’s gathering reflects that spirit of collaboration and resolve as we join forces to strengthen our institutions and bring justice closer to the people we serve.”

 

The Governor noted that the presence of the ECOWAS Court in Lagos not only highlights the city’s crucial role in regional matters but also serves as a strong reminder that justice should be accessible, visible, and responsive to the needs of our people. Through outreach initiatives and external court sessions.

 

“We are bringing the mechanisms of regional justice closer to our citizens, improving public understanding of the Court’s mission, and strengthening the connections between our national institutions and the ECOWAS Court.

 

Speaking earlier, the President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Ricardo  Gonçalves, said there is the need to ask ourselves, ‘Why does the Court have to reach out to citizens?’

 

He explained that “Because justice hidden is justice denied. Because when a farmer is denied a fair hearing because of distance; when a woman cannot present a case because of lack of information; when a child grows up believing that the law and justice are beyond their reach, then we, as guardians of justice, will have failed in our oath.

 

“Therefore, the long period during which justice has been seen as distant, slow or inaccessible must be over!

 

“In fact, justice should not be an ornament reserved for the elite, nor should it be seen as the language of the privileged or the luxury of the informed ones.

 

“Justice should not be a distant dream out of sight and out of reach. Justice is the birthright of all citizens, from the busiest cities to the most remote villages.

 

“So let’s join forces to make justice a reality for everyone: the farmer in the countryside, the shopkeeper in the market, the mother in the village and the young people in the city.

 

“Our mission is clear: to restore hope, build bridges and serve justice where it is most needed – at the grassroots.

 

“Today, we stand before you not only as “officers of the court”, but also as messengers of change.

 

“We are gathered here for a much greater purpose than this ceremony, which is to reaffirm a simple but powerful truth: that the justice of the ECOWAS Court must live among the people, reach the grassroots, be accessible, without economic barriers that are difficult to overcome, timely and fair. That is our solemn promise.”