'Who Dunnit - Magistrate or Registrar?' By Adesina Ogunlana

THE LEARNED SQUIB

Vol 1 No 1 22nd March 2001

WHO DUNNIT – MAGISTRATE OR REGISTRAR? By Adesina Ogunlana

Mrs. Bankole-Williams, the Chief Magistrate at Igbosere Lagos almost went with the wind some weeks ago. Even now her career is still tottering on the brinks of ruin.

How come? The travails of the amiable and well spoken magistrate arose as a result of a ‘sting’ operation, or what Mr. Oladapo Diya will certainly call a “Set-up.”

Some litigants claimed that the magistrate demanded gratification from them. But when they brought the ‘Big Blue,’ it was the registrar who collected it (N35, 000.00). Just then, the bulls charged in and found the marked money with the court registrar.

When the sh-t hit the fan, the registrar strategically invoked Section 7d of the Criminal Code, to wit that, chief magistrate Bankole-Williams was, permit my ‘Diyanese,’ “the masterminder, the initiator and the executioner” of the sordid affair. Expectedly, Mrs. Bankole-Williams washed her hands off the registrar, claiming a complete, absolute and perpetual ignorance of any plan or agreement to extort or collect bribe from the said litigants whatsoever.

In such a situation who is to be believed? If you ask my opinion I would say “Too close to call.” But the shame really is Bankole-Williams.’ Oh, the ignominy of the magistrate having to be dragged into such a dirty and indelicate matter such as a bribery scandal with her registrar?

You see many of these magistrates are known to be corrupt, and so cannot have their integrity vouched for in the “days of evil” such as befell magistrate Bankole-Williams.

The other time, the Chairman of the Magistrates Association Lagos State Branch, Mr. Giwa was reiterating to the case for magistrates to be given car loans. But granting this prayer, I am afraid will not change irresponsible magistrates for the better. This is because despite the fact that magistrates’ salaries have been improved greatly in this Tinubu era, yet leopards are not changing their spots.

My heart really goes out to Bankole-Williams. She is otherwise a pleasant, hardworking and sound magistrate. It will be awful really to end a promising career on the MANUWA lanes. So if what would save her now is prayers, let Her Worship go up the mountains and plead her cause with the Almighty. For is the Lord not our ever present help in times of trouble? But if it is repentance that is needed let it be done sincerely. I know where sack-clothes and ashes can be rented. Let the accompanying tears be bitter and stinging like St Peters’ after the GREAT DENIAL…
Crocodile tears are not wanted please.



Related link: http://www.learnedsquib.blogspot.com