The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, on Monday, relocated to its new office complex with assurance to provide efficient service delivery.
President of the Court, Justice Amoako Asante, made this known during the opening of the Court’s new building which will serve as a temporary facility until the completion of the ECOWAS Complex in Abuja on Monday.
He said that the Court’s previous building, occupied since 2002, had become inadequate to cope with its operations.
“The relocation into the building opens a new dawn in the life of the Court.
“Beyond improving the physical environment, it also offers the court opportunities for improved efficiency and productivity as an international court.
“It will encourage the court to expand its staff profile through additional recruitment.
“I wish to reassure the Community of the determination of the Court to live up to this expectation.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, remarked that the new building represents a significant milestone.
It will enable the court to strengthen the rule of law and promote human rights in West Africa.
Touray, however, lamented the poor implementation rate of the Court’s judgement and decisions, a situation he called for urgent remedy.
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“I am confident that the new office will provide the Court with the necessary resources and facilities to function efficiently and effectively.
“It is disheartening to hear Justice Asante lament the slow implementation rate of the decisions of the court. That is a situation that we need to remedy.
“Our citizens must have hope in the rule of law and they should see rule of law being applied.
“The low rate of implementation of the Court of justice decision does not tell well.
“We should be in a position to remedy that,” Touray said.
He thanked the government and people of Nigeria for the trust and confidence they continue to repose in ECOWAS institutions.
Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Zubairu dada said that Nigeria was always ready to provide necessary support and encouragement to all ECOWAS Institutions.
Dada urged Member States to ensure total implementation of the Community Court’s decisions.
This, he said, would show that the rule of law prevails and will gain the confidence of community citizens.
“As a matter of honour and duty, we are committed to ensuring that our sub-regional organisation remain the best in Africa and indeed one of the best in the world.
“Nigeria, therefore, enjoins the court to remain independent, reliable, efficient and accessible as a veritable legal institution of the community,” Dada said.
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