Bishop Ike Urges Translation of Supreme Court Judgments Into Major National Languages

Enugu – The Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ike, has called for the translation of Supreme Court judgements into three major national languages.

Bishop Ike who stated this during his presidential charge at the second session of the 19th Synod of the diocese, at St. Paul’s Church, China-Town, Enugu State, at the weekend, said that the judgements should be translated into Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa.

He charged the judiciary to stop leaving the masses confused after delivering judgements, noting that the translation would enable Nigerians understand court decisions better.

He noted that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, needed to arise and position the judiciary in its rightful place as the interpreter of the law and last hope of the aggrieved and common man.

According to him, the recurring scenarios in which, following a Supreme Court judgement, the appellants and defendants give their own interpretations, leaving the masses confused, should stop.

The cleric said, “The Judiciary should ensure that it is frank, plain and simple in its use of language in delivering judgements.

“If need be, the certified true copy of judgements should be translated into the three major Nigerian languages.”

The bishop reminded President Bola Tinubu that time is speeding away, and “carrying the hope he promised to renew.”

“The resurgence of insecurity, worsening food prices and standard of living of most Nigerians as well as accusations of nepotism prevalent in the Buhari administration continue to dominate national discourse,” he said.

The cleric said that Nigerians continue to yearn for genuine and complete electoral reforms, improved and total overhaul of the 1999 Constitution, “as possible legacies elected officials can leave.”

Ike appreciated President Tinubu for commencing the payment of the N70,000  minimum wage to workers, adding that high inflation rate had already taken a large chunk of it.

On tackling insecurity, the bishop challenged the President to move away from issuing marching orders, to marching into action by using all the paraphernalia of his office to prevent these needless losses of lives.

“The discussions around the establishment of State Police should, therefore, be treated as priority by the National Assembly,” he said.

On a different issue of urgent national importance, the cleric lauded the zeal with which the construction of the N15 trillion worth Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is being carried out, and “it seems commendable”.

The bishop encouraged the President to ensure the rehabilitation of many existing highways.

“This will not only enhance the safe transportation of goods and persons, but also prevent the incessant tanker falls, explosions and consequent needless loss of lives,” he added.

Speaking on the theme of the synod: “living by every word of God,” Bishop Ike expressed optimism that the Synod provided a platform for a revival that could change the country for good.

He said the theme was about the faithful turning to Jesus for solutions to their challenges and in guidance from and unalloyed attention to the word of God.
According to him, “Jesus was in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.
“Therefore, in all points of our being tempted, Jesus knows what we are experiencing, and he is willing and able to help us in our struggles, if we turn to him for strength,” he said.