Peter Mutharika demands improved judicial services
President Peter Mutharika has called for improved service delivery in the Judiciary, observing that delays in making rulings and corruption have blighted the trust of Malawians in the justice delivery system.
Mutharika made the remarks during the swearing-in ceremony for Chief Justice Andrew Nyirenda, at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre on Wednesday.
“Your appointment comes at a time when Malawians are demanding improvements in the delivery of various public services, including justice. Corruption, theft by public servants and occasional reports of fraudulent acts remain a legitimate source of concern among Malawians.
“Suspects are sometimes remanded for too long in our prisons without being taken to court. These are the issues that are being reported and Malawians are demanding swift action,” said Mutharika.
The President then assured the Judiciary that his administration would not interfere in their work.
On his part, Nyirenda hinted that he would take advantage of the government’s reform agenda to analyse areas that need reform.
“We will take advantage of the reform agenda and look at areas we can reform. But the mindset, too, has to change,” said Nyirenda.
However, Nyirenda observed that there was also need to review some Constitutional provisions.
“A number of laws in our Constitution need to be revisited. A number of laws have outlived their usefulness. We have recommendations from the Constitutional Review, which have not been acted on, maybe we can incorporate some of them,” said Nyirenda.
Responding to Mutharika’s concern over delays to make rulings, Nyirenda said he would look into the problem. He said judges would not be judges if they were not seen to be writing judgements, hence the need to look into the issue.
Nyirenda, who was appointed Chief Justice in March this year, graduated from the University of Malawi in 1980, and served in the Attorney General’s Chambers where he rose to the position of Chief State Advocate until 1990.
He has served as a Chief Public Prosecutor, Judge of the High Court of Malawi, until his appointment as Chief Justice on 13th March, 2015.
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