PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday outlined factors behind reduced public complaints over injustices in the country’s justice system, including heightened good governance in Judiciary.
The Head of State also cited good work by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on supervising appointments of new judges and ethics among them as well as several improvements made in courts in terms of facilities and infrastructures.
Speaking at a ceremony to swear-in Commissioner General of Prisons (CGP), Senior Assistant Commissioner of Prisons (SACP) Ramadhan Nyamka, and 22 new judges, at Chamwino State House in Dodoma, President Samia further argued that efficiency among the appointed judges along with increased number of female judges was another reason for declining public complaints against the justice system.
This is the second bunch of appointments for judges since she took over presidency early last year, thus, making a total of 50 judges she has so far appointed.
“I have so far appointed 23 female judges and 27 male judges, and my target in the future is to make 50/50. I do this because having more women in courts also significantly contributes to decreasing the number of complaints over injustices because they also judge with hearts,” she stated, insisting that female judges are more efficient and ethical.
“However, I appoint female judges with merits, not only because they are women,” she pointed out as she urged the newly sworn-in judges to ensure they work hard and serve Tanzanians with justice.
In ensuring that the judiciary embraces more efficiency and justice, Ms Samia underlined the importance of building capacity of the judicial staff, particularly through attending training and seminars on judicial matters abroad.
“I have always given priority to the judiciary when they request to travel abroad to attend such events because I want them to learn new techniques from others. I have never turned down your requests because I want you to serve the citizens well and reduce complaints,” she said.
On the other hand, the president directed the newly sworn-in Commissioner General of Prisons to ensure that the department sticks to its core duty of rehabilitating inmates, and protecting their individual rights.
Earlier, Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango noted that in every region he visited he witnessed decline in complaints over injustices in courts, stressing that judges must observe justice when making judgments.
“Do justice to Tanzanians. The law is good if used properly,” he stated.
For his side, the Minister for Constitution and Legal Affairs, Dr Damas Ndumbaro, underlined the critical role of the prisons department in dispensing justice.
Dr Ndumbaro commended the appointment of the new Commissioner General as another step in improving systems for dispensing criminal justice in the country.
“To be a judge is a difficult job, you don’t have a choice but to do justice by following the constitution and laws of the land,” Dr Ndumbaro counseled.
On his part, Home Affairs Minister Hamad Masauni explained why it was important to let the Prisons Department focus on its main duty of changing behavior and rehabilitating inmates rather than doing business.
