The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, on Wednesday, expressed dismay over what he described as a troubling trend of misleading and conflicting judgments from courts of coordinate jurisdictions across the country.
The CJN highlighted that the National Judicial Council (NJC) has initiated measures to ensure that errant judges face the consequences of their “despicable and odious conduct.”
Speaking shortly after inaugurating 22 judges into the Court of Appeal Bench, Justice Ariwoola lamented the plethora of frivolous interlocutory orders from various courts, which he said have brought ridicule to the judicial system.
“I have made it known at different fora that we have been treated to an unpalatable cocktail of misleading and conflicting judgments as well as frivolous interlocutory orders emanating from courts of coordinate jurisdictions, which have literally attempted to make a mockery of our judicial system and flagrantly desecrate the revered Temple of Justice,” the CJN stated.
Justice Ariwoola emphasized that such cases are widespread and represent a significant embarrassment to the country’s jurisprudence.
“Punitive measures must definitely be meted out to such erring Judges. We have already activated the process of reining-in such errant Judges with a view to making them face the consequence of their despicable and odious conduct,” he added.
The CJN also stressed the importance of judicial officers serving the Nigerian masses with integrity. “As Judicial Officers, we have to continually remind ourselves the fact that we are not occupying our respective positions to serve ourselves, but the Nigerian masses; and the best way we can serve them is by doing what will make them feel safe in our hands and also trust us to always deliver the right judgments that will not be tainted by sentiments, emotions or other clandestine considerations,” he said.
During the ceremony, Justice Ariwoola also swore in 12 legal practitioners recently appointed as judges of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.
He described the number of Justices elevated to the appellate court as unprecedented, noting that the last similar instance was on June 28 when 18 Justices were inaugurated.
“Today’s ceremony is an indication of the perilous times that we are currently in, which has resulted in an upsurge in litigation,” the CJN remarked. He attributed the increase in cases to a surge in unfathomable crimes and political matters.
Justice Ariwoola urged the new appellate judges to brace for the challenges ahead, emphasizing the need for swift and honest adjudication.
“Your Lordships, so, you must hastily fasten your belt and roll up your sleeves to face the challenges head-on. In other words, you should hit the ground speeding at a supersonic velocity; and not just running.
You must redouble your pace to catch up with the expectations of the sprawling community of litigants,” he advised.
He also reminded the Justices of their divine mandate to deliver justice impartially, particularly with upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.
“As usual, the courts will be besieged with a plethora of petitions. 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; and we must not tread the path of infamy,” he warned.
Justice Ariwoola concluded by urging the Justices to maintain the trust and integrity expected by the public. “Your conduct and disposition must tally with the yearnings and aspirations of the generality of the citizenry,” he added.
