SUJC holds training programme for Justices

 SUJC holds training programme for Justices

Olashege Anizat

Lagos State Polytechnic Students Union Judicial Council, SUJC, held a training programme for the school’s nominated Justices from each faculty to educate them on proper legal training.

The program was held in the school’s conference room at the College of Agriculture on Thursday 6th April 2023.

Barrister Omotayo, a legal adviser to the institution, Mr. Okulowo Oladele Olaitan, the acting director of legal service of the institution, and Oyebade Isaac, the Chief justice of the SUJC and all other judges from all other faculties in the school were in attendance. 

Barrister Omotayo in his speech stated that the law is factual and on the side that crimes can not be stopped, but can be curbed to the barest minimum.

He also called the attention of the judges to areas in the constitution that contains lapoona.

“Anytime there is a lapoona , the question is what have you been able to do to correct the error and prevent it from happening? I will advice you to sit down and take it section by section” He stated.

He encouraged the judges on the use of the auxiliary rule, stating that it is also a guide because they are rules that could be chosen to unravel some puzzles in difficult to conclude.

“You have inherited the constitution and your duty is to give a perfect interpretation. A committee can be set up to address issues of lapoona, for review, adjustment, or modification"

“The University students will also have a union and they will take it from where you stop, whatever you leave behind is where they will take it from. So, lay a foundation, set a standard, and leave a legacy behind”

Mr. Okunlowo Oladele Olaitan, the Acting Director for Legal Services of the institution informed the judges that "Lapoona as a law are gaps that need to be controlled. When Interpreting laws by the parliament, do you look at it in a human face or technically? Your job is to interpret the law".

“Their take home is that they should have learned how to interpret and put life into the law made by the legislative. Since they are not law students, it might be difficult to act as lawmakers but in Nigeria, we have senators and house of representatives who are not lawyers and still make laws for us" He said.

He advised the Judges to set up a constitutional review committee to look at the laws and what can be done to put them back on track.

It was confirmed that the training was organized by Chief Justice, Oyebade Isaac to enable the judicial members to know the roles to play according to the constitution.

Edited by: Onifade Tolulope