By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The existing robust partnership between the Lagos State Judiciary and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will continue, the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Olarenwaju Alogba, has assured.
This assurance was given on Thursday when the Lagos zonal head of the EFCC, Mr AbdulRasheed Bawa, paid a courtesy visit to the Ikeja office of the judge.
Mr Alogba said the judiciary will continue to support the fight against corruption and economic and financial crimes in the country, commending the EFCC’s efforts to rid Nigeria of corruption and encouraged the zonal head as well as the staff not to be deterred in any way.
“Naturally, we are partners in the course of the administration of justice. We have been working seamlessly together and that will continue,” he said, adding that “the least expected of us is to give you fullest cooperation.”
The judge told his guests that, “We need to collaborate more in the area of training and retraining of the judges. Training is how we can get the best out of our personnel.”
“We are not taking chances at any opportunity for training. We can then be assured that judges handling EFCC cases are abreast of the work of your jurisdiction,” he added.
In his remarks, Mr Bawa thanked the judge for hosting him and his team, despite his tight schedule and being on vacation.
“My Lord, on behalf of the acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Abba Mohammed Umar, I am obliged to appreciate you and the entire Lagos State Judiciary for the support the commission had enjoyed.
“We are here to solicit for more support and interact with you on the existing robust partnership. We want to tap into your wealth of experience for guidance and direction,” he said.
On sundry issues bordering on the case of the Commission before the courts, Mr Bawa appealed to his host for prompt attention and responses to the Commission’s cases.
Adedapo Adesanya