By Doh James Sonkey
Minister of State, Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Laurent Esso has declared that ‘‘The President of the Republic, Chairman of the Higher Judicial Council, H.E Paul Biya is sole constitutional guarantor of the independence of the Judiciary. In this regard, making sure the independence of the Judiciary is an unquestionable objective, and the enforcement of sentences of loss of liberty remain essential element of the credibility of our Justice.’’
He made the declaration last September 25, 2023 at the Ministry of Justice while chairing the annual meeting of Heads of Courts of Appeal and Regional Delegates of Penitentiary Administration.
The Minister of State, Laurent Esso accompanied by the Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Justice, Jean De Dieu Momo and the Secretary of State to the Minister of Justice in charge of Penitentiary Administration, Doh Jerome started the two days meeting with the award of medals for May 20, 2023 to some 22 officials of the Ministry of Justice. They received medals such as the National Order of Valour, Commander of the National Order of Valour, Officer of National Order of Valour, Officer of National Order of Valour, Chevalier Knight etc.
It is the 9th consecutive year that the meeting is holding together with the 17th annual meeting of Regional Delegates of Penitentiary Administration.
During the in camera discussion, 3 presentations were made on the themes; “the challenges of sequestration in judicial practice” by the President of the Littoral Court of Appeal, Arroye Betou Emmanuel, “escorting detainees: instruments, instructions and suggestion” by the Adamawa Regional Delegate of Penitentiary Administration, Patrick Serge Mbita Sap and “Police custody, remand in custody and prohibition to leave the national territory” by Director of Criminal Matters and Pardon, Amadou Souley.
“Although these three topics are mastered by officials in the ministry of Justice, it is not well understood by the public.” Laurent Esso stressed.