Magistrates in Ondo State have decried the security risks and indignity of commuting daily in public vehicles alongside criminals and litigants they preside over, blaming the state government’s failure to provide official cars.
The Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ondo chapter, raised the alarm during a courtesy visit to elder statesman Senator Bode Olajumoke in Akure.
Led by State Chairman Magistrate Funmi Edwin and accompanied by Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Akure Branch Chairman Friday Umar, the group highlighted that over 60 magistrates lack official vehicles.
Chief Magistrate Damilola Sekoni, speaking for MAN, said many colleagues suffer injuries from accidents involving commercial motorcycles and vehicles while on official duties.
“We board commercial buses daily, often with defendants standing trial before us exposing us to grave security risks,” Sekoni said.
“This is unsafe, undignified, and hampers justice delivery.”He urged Senator Olajumoke to relay their plea to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, insisting official vehicles are a necessity, not a luxury.
The association also requested a proper MAN secretariat, an official bus, and funding for their year-end picnic.
NBA Chairman Umar lamented the neglect, noting the last vehicle allocation occurred under former Governor Olusegun Mimiko and those recipients have retired.
Though 10 new vehicles were recently approved, no action has followed.“Our magistrates risk their lives in public transport while counterparts elsewhere fly to conferences,” Umar said.
“This treatment is unacceptable.”Senator Olajumoke promised to engage the governor and urged magistrates to uphold professional ethics.
Vanguard Publisher Sam Amuka-Pemu, also present, commended their role in upholding the rule of law and urged continued integrity.
