CJN Asks Judges to Ignore Public Opinions, Stick To Constitution in Determining Cases
Chief Justice of the Federation (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwo-Ola has cautioned judges against being swayed by public opinions in determining cases before them.
According to Nigeria’s Chief Justice, the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution overrides public opinions, no matter how weighty or serious.
Justice Ariwo-Ola stated this while inaugurating another batch of 23 new Judges of the Federal High Court on Wednesday in Abuja.
He also warned the new judges that the bench was not for the greedy, indolent or those with dubious character, who could easily fall for a plate of pride offered by desperate litigants.
As new judges, he told them that they are open to public scrutiny, as a new blank page in the book of life had just been opened for each of them.
Justice Ariwo-Ola asked them to at all time rise above temptation and trials that might obstruct or halt their rise to the pinnacle of their career.
Read Also:
CJN Asks Nigerians To Reduce Their Penchant For Litigation
The CJN said the Nigeria Judiciary Commission would wield the big stick against anyone found wanting.
Ariwoola expressed, “Any wrongdoing that arises from indiscretion and the abuse of office will, likewise, serve as a means to awaken, correct, and thoroughly cleanse the same conscience that may have been disregarded.”
“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!”
