Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State says judges make rulings on logical evidence and must not be intimidated by public criticism.

Mr Sanwo-Olu made this remark during the special prayer marking the start of the 2025/2026 legal year at Lagos Central Mosque, Lagos Island, on Monday.

Represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, the governor emphasised safeguarding the rights of legal practitioners and ensuring justice remains the foundation of Nigeria’s governance.

He noted that judicial officers deserved freedom and respect to dispense rulings without fear, intimidation, or undue influence from external forces.

Mr Sanwo-Olu warned against ignorance, where social media commentary and uninformed opinions shape public discourse, undermining judicial processes with baseless criticisms.

“Judgments are not made in marketplaces but in courts of law after careful deliberations,” he said, stressing the need for respect for due process.

The governor urged citizens to respect judicial processes and avoid eroding trust in public institutions with reckless comments or unfair attacks on the bench.

He reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to judicial independence and commended judges for their resilience, impartiality, and courage in the face of public pressure and misinformation.

Mr Sanwo-Olu advised that disagreements with rulings should be pursued through legal channels or legislative reforms, not through disparagement, saying, “We may criticise, but we cannot deny the law.”

He observed that globally, nations were experiencing chaos and suppression of fundamental human rights by leaders in positions of authority.

The governor praised Lagos judges for their enormous work in ensuring justice delivery, describing them as among the best in Nigeria.

Lagos State Chief Judge Kazeem Alogba reaffirmed the judiciary’s unwavering commitment to the cause of justice and reassured the public of its uprightness.

(NAN)