Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, has termed the present as dangerous for the country’s judicial officials.
The CJN cautioned that, despite the difficulties inherent in carrying out their duty, all court decisions must be grounded in the constitution and not popular opinion.
After administering the oath of office to 23 newly appointed Federal High Court judges on Wednesday at the Supreme Court compound, Justice Ariwoola made the submission.
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Even strongly held popular beliefs, he warned the judges, cannot take precedence over the requirements of the nation’s constitution when it comes to the resolution of legal problems in court.
In his words, “Several vitriolic attacks are regularly heaped on the judiciary; it is, however, crystal clear that public opinions, no matter how serious or weighty it might be, cannot override or supersede the constitution of the country which we apply in deciding each case.”
The National Judicial Council (NJC) would not think twice about taking disciplinary action against any judge found to be acting improperly, the CJN further cautioned the incoming justices.
The justices were warned by Justice Ariwoola not to participate in any unethical behaviour or use their positions to gain illicit money through corrupt means.
He said, “Whatever wrongdoing that emanates from any form of indiscretion and abuse of office will, in like manner, be used to conscientise, chastise and thoroughly sanitise the same conscience that you may have refused to listen to.
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“Appointment to the bench is not an appointment to wealth, vainglory, dishonest disposition or ostentatious lifestyle through corrupt acquaintances.
“The searchlight of the National Judicial Council beams brightly on all judicial officers across the country. The NJC should never, either by omission or commission, be mistaken for a toothless bulldog.
“It can bark fiercely and as well bite deeply and aggressively, too. Our radar is sophisticated enough to detect every form of corruption and wrongdoing by judicial officers; and we will not waste a moment in taking the necessary action to fish out the bad eggs.
“The remoteness of your location of adjudication can never blur our sight on you. We have put in place the right machinery to capture and document your conduct. So, be careful and take heed, or else, you may end up regretting ever being appointed a judicial officer. Though, we don’t wish you such, anyway!”
The CJN emphasised the difficulty of the judges’ work while pleading with them to administer justice in a fair and unbiased manner to all.
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“You must be impartial, fair to all, and apply justice in all your undertakings. The times that we are in, are quite perilous, so we need judicial officers who are calculative, honest, objective and dispassionate in all ramifications.
“Thus, your appointments to the bench at this crucial period of our national history are not by accident but by divine ordination,” he added.
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