Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to provision of qualitative and free legal services to the poor, the less-privileged and the vulnerable people in the state.
The governor said the services were important to ensure that the rights of every individual were not only guaranteed, but also vigorously defended.
Sanwo-Olu said his administration, in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda for “Greater Lagos”, would ensure that every resident of the state had equal and unfettered access to justice irrespective of means, race, age or gender, and with particular emphasis on the rights of women, children and people living with disability.
Speaking on Tuesday during the swearing in and inauguration of the newly constituted Governing Council for Office of the Public Defender at the Conference Room of Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged the Governing Council members to be guided by justice in performing their duties.
He said: “In order to give effect to our administration’s commitment to the rule of law as part of the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda under the security and governance pillar, we will continue to support the Office of Public Defender and all other agencies charged with the mandate of ensuring access to justice for all citizens regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds and vulnerabilities.
“In constituting this Council, we have taken care to ensure the selection of people of proven character and competence, who can deliver on the mandate of the Office.
“I charge you therefore to see this appointment as a challenge to service. You are the voice and the hope of multitudes of disadvantaged people across Lagos State. You must let this guide you in all that you do, and inspire you to dedicated service.
“The people of Lagos deserve a State in which the rights of every individual are not only guaranteed, but also vigorously defended.”
Speaking on the importance of the Office of the Public Defender, Governor, Sanwo-Olu said the office remained one of the pillars of the justice system in Lagos State.
The Governor therefore implored members of the Governing Council to deliver on the functions of the Council as spelt out in the Office of Public Defender Law, noting that the success of the Council was the government’s success.
The members of the Governing Council for the Office of the Public Defender are; Mrs Bola Tinubu (Chairman), Mr Ayo Olusanwo, Ms Busola Akinbiyi, Ms Olayinka Shittabey, Mr Babajide Badmos and Dr Babajide Martins
Giving a vote of assurance on behalf of the Governing Council, Mrs. Tinubu said the Council members would undertake the responsibility given to them with a high sense of purpose and professionalism.
