Don’t bow to public opinion, emotions, CJN Ariwoola tells Judges

During a workshop in Abuja on Monday, May 20, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, emphasized the importance for judicial officers to uphold the law without being swayed by public opinions or emotions.

He warned against succumbing to threats or intimidation and urged judges to always adhere to existing laws and avoid unconstitutional actions.

The workshop, organized by the Court of Appeal for reviewing election petition tribunals court and appeals related to the 2023 elections, provided a platform for Justice Ariwoola to stress the need for judicial independence and integrity.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria emphasized that political issues consistently take precedence in our legal proceedings due to the specific time limits set by existing electoral laws for their resolution.

Additionally, the intense focus and strong emotions surrounding political matters in our country have significantly increased the difficulty and danger of our work, with occasional threats from certain individuals within the political sphere.

As I frequently emphasize, a dedicated judicial officer should never be swayed by threats or intimidation to stray from the law and cater to misguided public opinions and emotions.

It is common to witness trials being influenced by media coverage in an attempt to manipulate judges into following a certain agenda.

Nevertheless, it is impossible for the media to deceive a judicial officer into acting unconstitutionally or contrary to existing laws. Justice Ariwoola advised caution against misusing discretionary powers among judicial officers.

He emphasized the importance of recognizing the public’s trust and high expectations in judicial officers. With great power comes great responsibility, and it is crucial not to become complacent.

It is our duty to work tirelessly to earn and maintain trust and integrity. Our actions should reflect the needs and desires of the people we serve, focusing on their safety and confidence in our ability to deliver fair judgments free from bias or external influences.

It is crucial to remember that we are entrusted with the responsibility of passing judgment as representatives of a higher power on earth. The gravity of this duty is immense, and we must avoid wrongdoing, knowing that we will be held accountable for our actions when facing our Creator.

The Chief Justice reiterated his dedication to removing corrupt individuals from the judiciary, regardless of their status. He emphasized that any judge behaving inappropriately will not only be dismissed but also face the repercussions of their misconduct.

The Judiciary cannot afford to have any untouchable entities, as our reputation and image require significant improvement.

It is crucial for all of us involved in the administration of justice to prioritize this task and ensure that it influences our behavior and attitude. We must strive to earn a respected position among our fellow Nigerians at this moment.

While it’s impossible to please everyone with our actions, by upholding the law and Constitution that we’ve all vowed to support, we can make decisions that align with our conscience and bring satisfaction to the majority.

Following our moral compass will guide us towards positive outcomes. Justice Ariwoola praised the workshop organizers for allowing participants to thoroughly analyze the challenges faced during the 2023 election litigation period.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria expressed his desire to leave behind a stronger Judiciary for his successor and voiced concern about the ongoing issue of conflicting court decisions.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the confusing and contradictory decisions made by courts at the same level, which he believes undermine the credibility of the judicial system.

This situation is a source of shame for our legal system, and we will not tolerate it. Sanctions should be imposed on judges who make such mistakes.

As I prepare to step down in August 2024, I hope to leave behind a strong Judiciary that will be respected not only in Nigeria but throughout Africa.

Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), praised the hard work of judicial officers during the challenging 2023 election litigation season, which saw a high number of cases filed.

She mentioned that 99 panels, each consisting of three judges, were established during this period, leading to a significant reduction in available judges within our judicial system.

During the workshop, it was discussed that the previous process needed to be reviewed, areas of improvement identified, and strategies developed to enhance the process.

The judicial officers were praised for their diligent efforts in resolving cases within stipulated timelines without any petitions or appeals expiring.

The PCA suggested amending certain sections of the Constitution and Electoral Act to enhance the system, such as sections 187, 233, 246, and 285 of the Constitution along with Paragraph 85(2) of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act.

Justice Dongban-Mensem highlighted that some sections like Section 285 of the Constitution may require revision due to unclear legal language or unarticulated intentions.

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), lauded the Judiciary for its crucial role in maintaining stability in the nation’s electoral processes.

Fagbemi highlighted the significant impact of the Court of Appeal on shaping and strengthening electoral jurisprudence.

The Attorney General of the Federation praised the workshop attendees and emphasized the importance of understanding the Judiciary’s crucial role in enhancing party and electoral democracy in Nigeria.

He expressed hope that the workshop would enhance public awareness of the judiciary’s role in ensuring electoral process integrity and credibility, ultimately contributing to nation-building efforts.