The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Judicial Service Commission has approved the payment of special allowances to all magistrates in the FCT, as recommended by the Salaries and Wages Commission.

The Chief Judge of the FCT, Justice Lawal H. Gummi, who announced this yesterday, while swearing-in 16 magistrates and one Area Court judge, also hinted that the FCT High Court will assign a car to every Magistrate to facilitate movement for effective discharge of their duties.

He said efforts are being made to see that magistrates are properly accommodated, adding that each magistrates will be given an official laptop for quick and easy access to law reports and other judicial resources available on the intra and internet.

The CJ charged the newly sworn-in magistrates to preserve the reputation and dignity of the judiciary, by being diligent, honest and working in the fear of God, adding that, "it is the fear of God that will enable them to abhor corruption in line with the judicial oath of office".

"It is only when you adorn discipline as a garment that other finer qualities, attendant with your job as a magistrate will illuminate your path and sustains you in the discharge of your functions", he stated.

While calling on them to improve on their reading habits, Gummi also told them to treat litigants and accused persons with due respect and to also be firm in the application of the law, based on the facts that have been revealed by the evidence placed before them.

He also warned them against giving exparte orders that would portray the judiciary in bad light.