By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja
The Chief Justice of Nigeria(CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola, and the Administrator of National Judicial Institute, Justice Salisu Abdullahi (rtd) have cautioned the newly appointed judicial officers to shun corrupt acts or be punished.
This was contained in their separate addresses on Monday, at the induction course for newly appointed judges of the superior courts of record holding at the NJI Abuja.
In a keynote address, Justice Ariwoola, represented by Justice Jummai Hanatu Sankey, urged the new judges to resist any influences that attempt to compromise their integrity and impartiality.
“You must remain steadfast in the face of whatever challenges that may arise by upholding and protecting the rule of law, your integrity and that of the judiciary, including the best traditions for which the judiciary is renowned.
“You will occasionally be presented with cases that require you to make difficult decisions, but always remember that justice is not a destination to be arrived at with fanfare and parades or accolades but a continuous pursuit to which you must not be afraid to stay the course on the side of fairness and integrity” the CJN said.
Earlier, the NJI Administrator, Justice Abdullahi told the judicial officers that the
induction is being hosted to support them so that they could join several other Judges, who are already out there to rekindle the confidence and trust in the judiciary, by avoiding acts that will impugn the integrity of the judiciary and lower it in the estimation of the public.
“You must avoid and refuse to condone any action that may delay the timeous conclusion of both civil and criminal proceedings, while paying attention to judicial values of independence, integrity and in defence of the rule of law” Justice Abdullahi stated.
While reminding the judges that many of the cases they will be handling will be tedious and difficult to decide, Justice Abdullahi charged them to remain steadfast by staying the course on the side of fairness and integrity.
“Be firm and open minded, lead your courtrooms by good example. As newly appointed judges, this induction course is designed for you to begin to understand the intricacies and techniques involved in adjudication and judicial proceedings and the expectations placed on you by litigants, court users and the general public who are interested in justice, human rights and the maintenance of the rule of law.
The theme of this year’s induction course: “Repositioning the Courts for Better Justice Delivery” according to the NJI Administrator is important when considered against the backdrop of the hopes and aspirations of litigants and court users by reference to the courts as ‘the last hope of the common man.
“The reference of hope tells us that great confidence and trust is reposed by society in the judges to do justice and equity between parties in proceedings, Justice Abdullahi stated.
