The National Judicial Council (NJC) has initiated a process to ensure that errant judges face the consequences of their “despicable and odious conduct.” Justice Ariwoola inaugurated 22 judges into the Court of Appeal Bench, lamenting the avalanche of frivolous interlocutory orders emanating from various courts. He called for collective measures to be taken against such errant Judges, emphasizing that they are not occupying their respective positions to serve themselves but the Nigerian masses.
Justice Ariwoola also swore in 12 legal practitioners who were recently appointed as judges of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court. He urged the new judicial officers to always abide by their oath of office. The number of Justices elevated to the bench of the appellate court is unprecedented, with the last time such a large number of Justices were inaugurated on June 28, when the court got 18 Justices at the same time.
The CJN emphasized the perilous times in Nigeria, which have resulted in an upsurge in litigation. He stated that no court in the land is spared from this litigation deluge, and the dockets are ever increasing in response to the challenges of the time. He emphasized the need for the Justices to face the challenges head-on, discharge their duties with unveiled honesty and sincerity, and give good account of themselves to justify their elevation to the Court of Appeal.
In the coming months, there will be two governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, respectively. As courts will be besieged with plethora of petitions, it is their statutory duty to hear all matters that come before them and adjudicate according to the laws of the land. The CJN urged the Justices to not falter or tread the path of infamy, but to apply the right application of the law and the Constitution of the land to go a long way to do things that their conscience will be proud of and the generality of the Nigerian citizens will equally be happy about.
With the elevation of the Justices to the higher Bench, they must be mindful of the enormous confidence the public is now reposing in them vis-a-vis their expectations. They must discharge their judicial duties more dispassionately, discretionally, and transparently, earning lasting trust and integrity.
