– Lagos, Nigeria
A group known as the Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON), has called on the Speaker of Lagos State Parliament, Honourable Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa to demand for an amendment to the Customary Law of Lagos State.
The group led by the Coordinator of the Lagos Chapter, Prince Okey-Joe Onuakalusi made this request during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Speaker, in Ikeja, Lagos. During its presentation, the group recognised the important role, which the legislature plays in nation building. Mr. Onuakalusi says, “to us, in this democratic system of government, we believe that the legislature is the most important organ of the governance. It is not only the representation of the people, but has the responsibility to formulate the will of the state, vest its legal authority and force through the exercise of her oversight functions”.
Concerning the judiciary, he emphasised the need to review Section 22(3) of the Customary Law of Lagos, which allows the application of Islamic Laws on Islamic related matters to accommodate an Ecclesiastical court for Christian matters.
“The Section 22(3) of the Customary Law of Lagos State provides that Lagos State Judicial Service Commission ‘may designate a court to adjudicate on Islamic Law and Matters in relation to marriage, divorce, custody and inheritance as it deems fit.’ Mr. Speaker, we equally appeal for legislation that will establish Ecclesiastical court in Lagos State to adjudicate on the issues of marriage, divorce, custody and inheritance on behalf of Christians.”
The group also recommended the review of Sections 2 and 38 of the Traffic law 2012. It urged the Speaker to work towards reviewing the law, which permits trailers to move at daytime in Lagos to conform with laws in other parts of Nigeria like Abuja, which restricts movement of Trailers during the day.
It further stated that in order to position Lagos Parliament as one that is not just interested in passing laws but fully committed to the effect such a law has on the lives of its constituents, it was necessary to set up a Legislative Implementation and review Committee. Mr. Onuakalusi states that the committee would serve as a feedback mechanism on the efficacy of every bill passed into law in Lagos State, ensure that laws meet international best practices and interact with stakeholders and other beneficiaries with the aim of avoiding litigations upon passage of the law.
He encouraged the Speaker to work towards implementing the details of the agreement signed between Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, which is aimed at establishing a more effective administrative process in states across Nigeria and avoid another strike.
The group also proposed the need for an “ombudsman or a platform” to constantly monitor the application and evaluate the laws of the state in comparison with other states of the federation and global practices.
Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON) recently celebrated its 40th anniversary in Anambra. The group is registered as a incorporated trustee with the responsibility to promote integrity in legal profession, provide legal services to those in prison; especially the indigent and show the light of Christ as the ultimate advocate between man and God.
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