Don’t take your appointment for granted, CJN tells FHC judges

By Taiye Agbaje/Wandoo Sombo

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, on Wednesday, cautioned the Federal High Court (FHC) judges against taking their appointment for granted.
Justice Ariwoola, who made the statement while declaring open the 39th Annual FHC Judges’ Conference and the FHC’s 50th Anniversary Lectures in Abuja, urged them not to hesitate to consult to bring the best out of their rulings and judgments.
The CJN enjoined the judges to be hardworking and diligent in justice delivery, while calling on them to always write their judgements in a way that the appellate court would always affirm.
“Anyone that is lucky to be appointed to this court, without mincing words, is indeed very lucky and should not take that for granted.
“I implore you all to please continue to work very hard; work hard and harder and go extra mile each time.
“Do not assume that what then are the gentlemen at the appellate court doing. No, let that (appellate) court affirm your decisions.
“Always write your judgments that the appellate court will have no choice than to affirm your decisions.
“Don’t leave any loophole,” he said
According to CJN, to be a judge, certainly, is not a child’s play, particularly at your court where you don’t sit as panel; you sit as a lone ranger.
“You sit all alone, you are the lord of the court. Please, always go extra mile even in what you consider a simple application.
“It is your court. You are not there to impress anyone at all. If you need to take a break to consult your note, to consult your books before you rule, no application by counsel is simple.(NAN)