The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has cautioned judges on Wednesday, urging them to avoid bringing disrepute to the judiciary.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to laws and rules when formulating judgments and rulings, advising judges not to seek to persuade anyone, regardless of their stature, but rather to rely on legal principles.
Addressing the 2023 Conference of Judges of the Federal High Court at the Court’s headquarters in Abuja, the CJN stressed the need for judges to go the extra mile to justify their appointments.
He cautioned against creating any vulnerabilities that could potentially tarnish the image and reputation of the court.
“Do not attempt to convince anybody, no matter how highly placed, but always consult laws and rules before writing your judgments and rulings.
“Always write judgments that the Court of Appeal will have no option but to affirm. Being a judge is not child’s play, particularly in your court, where you don’t sit on a panel. You sit all alone.
“Go the extra mile to justify the appointments and do not create loopholes that could tarnish the image and reputation of the court.”
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He cautioned the judges of the Federal High Court of Nigeria not to underestimate the significance of their appointments to the court. Ariwoola emphasized to the judges that the Federal High Court is not just the largest and most esteemed in the country, but also the sole court vested with exclusive originating jurisdiction over election-related matters in the nation.
“For the reasons I have just enumerated, I charge you not to take your appointments for granted. You must work harder to justify the appointments by always coming up with judgments and decisions that would not be rejected by the Appellate Courts,” he said.
Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the court, reminisced about the court’s inception 50 years ago in Lagos, starting with a solitary courtroom and five Judges.
Over the years, it has expanded to encompass 37 Divisions and currently boasts a roster of 95 Judges.
Highlighting recent developments, Justice Tsoho mentioned the addition of 23 Judges, appointed to enhance the court’s efficiency.
He noted that these newly appointed Judges have undergone induction and are now assigned to different Divisions, further strengthening the court’s operational capacity. #Judiciary