By: Jesse Ese, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Government, under the leadership of Governor Henry Seriake Dicksion, has, recently, commissioned the Yenagoa Division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
Speaking during the inauguration in Ovom, Yenagoa which had the SSG, and other prominent Bayelsan Executives in attendance, the Governor, represented by his Deputy, Hon. Gboribiogha John Jonah, noted that one of the vital pillars of the Restoration Government is the need for an independent, virile and effective justice administration system and the guarantee of access to justice for Bayelsans.
He stressed that, in pursuit of preserving the independence of the judiciary in the state through the Judicial Self Accounting Bill that has been enacted, the government has consistently supported the processes that ensure access to justice for the people.
He explained that the government was aware of how Bayelsans and lawyers representing them had to travel long distances to Cross River and Ondo states to prosecute and defend labour related matters; that that was why they brought about the establishment of the Division in Yenagoa.
He also said that the state government believes in industrial harmony as it is crucial to development, adding that it is pertinent in the resolution of industrial disputes.
According to him, they are confident that the court will administer justice without fear or favour. He further stated that they, as a government, are not afraid of being told their wrong deeds, and also expect to be told when they are right.
On his part, the National President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Babatunde Adeniran Adejumo, stated that a well funded and independent labour and industrial court is a panacea to incessant industrial actions, rancours, hostile and epileptic work environment.
He also said that labour matters are pure economic matters that ought to be settled without wasting of time, urging members of the BAR to do all within their powers to make the court more friendly to all that will appear before it.
The Commissioner for Justice, Kemasuode Wodu, noted that the Industrial Court is very pertinent, adding that the court has the original jurisdiction to entertain all matters relating to labour.
