The Kwara State Government took the welfare of judges a step higher on Tuesday as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq presented 11 Toyota Fortuner jeeps to the judges.

The Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Abiodun Adebara also got a 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser for use in his office

At the official presentation of the vehicles to the judges at the State High Court Ilorin, the Chief Judge disclosed that earlier in February this year, five Toyota Fortuner Jeeps were allocated to five of the state High Court judges from the money made available by the state government under the 2023 budget.

The Chief Judge added that five new jeeps procured under the 2024 approved budget are to be allocated to another five of the judges.

“Also, this morning, His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq released another seven Toyota vehicles to the judiciary.

“Six of which are meant for the six new judges to be appointed,” Justice Adebara announced.

The Chief Judge explained further that the purchase of a brand new vehicle is a condition precedent for the appointment of a new judge.

“These appointments are in the offing, and this is one of the requirements of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

“There must be a vehicle on the ground before the appointment of a new judge for inspection. His Excellency has supplied six vehicles, and the seventh one is for the office of the Chief Judge,” he said.

“I want to sincerely thank His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON who has been so friendly to the judiciary of Kwara State. He has been treating our requests with despatch in positive ways.

“What we are witnessing today is another positive impact of his administration on the money allocated to the judiciary in the 2024 budget under vehicle procurement. He promptly approved it.

“The money was released to the judiciary,” Justice Adebara explained.

The CJ recalled that the last time judges received vehicles from the government was eight years ago.

“The last time these judges had vehicles from the government was eight years ago.

“How will eight-year-old vehicles look like today in terms of efficiency? Some of our judges are not even within Ilorin.

“It will enhance our jobs and the dignity of the office of a judge. So, it will complement our jobs and boost the morale of judges,” he added.

Punch