The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has criticized the work ethics of some judicial officers, decrying questionable judgments, and the misuse of interlocutory orders.
Justice Ariwoola made these remarks during his keynote address at the Court of Appeal’s Two-Day Workshop for the Review of the 2023 Election Petition Tribunals/Court and Appeals, held on Monday in Abuja.
Expressing his frustration, the CJN stated, “We have been treated to an unpalatable cocktail of misleading and conflicting judgments as well as frivolous interlocutory orders emanating from courts of coordinate jurisdiction which attempts to make a mockery of our judicial system.
This is largely an embarrassment to our jurisprudence, and we will not take it lying low.
Punitive measures must be taken against such erring judges.”
Justice Ariwoola, who is set to retire in August, emphasized his commitment to leaving behind a robust and prosperous judiciary.
“As I prepare for my retirement, it is my desire to bequeath a robust and prosperous Judiciary that will be the pride of not only Nigerians but the African continent,” he noted.
He warned judicial officers against misconduct, stating that those found guilty would face severe consequences.
“Anyone who conducts themselves in this manner will not only be shown the way out but will equally be made to face the consequences,” he asserted.
The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, highlighted the significance of the workshop, describing the task of the 2023 election tribunals judges as difficult and challenging.
“This workshop is important because we are dedicated, we are committed to ensuring that our electoral process is seamless,” she said.
Justice Dongban-Mensem also called for legislative reviews of certain areas in the Nigerian constitution and the electoral laws in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
She pointed out specific sections that require amendments, including sections 187 of the Nigerian Constitution, 1999, and sections 233, 246, and paragraph 285 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
“Section 285, I think, in the process, is rather poor draftsmanship or so,” she remarked.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, commended the review exercise, acknowledging the judiciary’s stabilizing role in the nation’s electoral process.
He noted, “The Court of Appeal, in particular, plays a more pivotal role in shaping and strengthening our electoral jurisprudence through the exercise of its constitutional mandate in that regard.”
Fagbemi emphasized the workshop’s vital role in Nigeria’s democracy, providing a platform to review the strengths and challenges of judicial proceedings from the last electoral cycle.
He added, “The findings and recommendations will provide appropriate guidance for stakeholders going forward to the next electoral cycle.”
