Ariwoola Advises 22 New Justices To Avoid Using Sentiments, Emotions, Or Hidden Considerations In Their Judgements

Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola on Wednesday, swore in 22 new justices of the Court of Appeal, charging them with being upright in their delivery of justice to Nigerians without fear or favour.

This is the highest number of appointments to the Court in recent history.

On December 10, 1998, 25 High Court judges were sworn in as Justices of the Court of Appeal, and they were dubbed “The Russians” (Rushians), after the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), the world’s largest country. Russia was the country’s capital. The appointment of 25 judges at the same time was unprecedented.

Addressing the new appellate court justices at the Supreme Court’s ceremonial hall in Abuja, the CJN stated that they must always deliver correct judgements that are not tainted by sentiments, emotions, or other clandestine considerations.

Justice Ariwoola stated that the Judiciary has been subjected to misleading and conflicting judgements, as well as frivolous interlocutory orders from courts of coordinate jurisdictions, which have attempted to mock the judicial system and desecrate the temple of justice.

“There are numerous examples of this throughout the country. This is largely an embarrassment to our legal system, and we will never take it lightly. Punitive measures must undoubtedly be taken against such erring judges,” he stated.

The CJN advised the justices to be alert and responsive, stating that many incomprehensible crimes are being committed in the country, in addition to the usual political matters that have resulted in an alarming rise in litigations, and that no court in the country is immune to the deluge.

He said Nigeria is fast emerging as a frontline crime-infested country that needs to be curtailed urgently, and added that the enormous task of cleaning the Augean stable falls squarely on the Justices. “You must quickly fasten your belt and roll up your sleeves to face the challenges head-on

“In other words, you should hit the ground at supersonic speed and not just run; you must double your pace to keep up with the expectations of the sprawling community of litigants.”

As judicial officers, he stated that the Justices have a divine mandate on earth to carry out their judicial functions with unveiled honesty and sincerity, to give good accounts of themselves, and to justify their appointment to the Court of Appeal.

The CJN stated that the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states will take place in the coming months, and that the courts will be inundated with petitions. He added, “It is our statutory duty to hear all matters that come before us and adjudicate according to the laws of the land.”

“We must not falter or follow the path of infamy. Yes, we cannot please everyone with our actions and work, but with the proper application of the law and the Constitution of the land, which we have all collectively pledged to uphold, we can go a long way towards doing things that our conscience will be very proud of and the majority of Nigerian citizens will be equally pleased with.”

He warned them not to get complacent, as the onus is now on them to carry out their judicial duties with greater impartiality, discretion, and transparency.

The CJN also swore in 12 newly appointed judges of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, with a charge to carry out their judicial duties ibythe constitution.