Public opinion regardless of how critical or weighty it is likely to be cannot override or supersede the structure of Nigeria.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola made the clarification on the Supreme Court in Abuja whereas inaugurating one other batch of 23 Judges for the Federal High Court of Nigeria on Wednesday.
Justice Ariwoola charged Judges in the nation to at all times apply constitutional provisions in deciding every case that comes earlier than them.
He stated that, a number of vitriolic assaults are repeatedly heaped on the judiciary, however that it’s crystal clear that public opinion, regardless of how critical or weighty it is likely to be, cannot override or supersede the Constitution of the nation in which judges apply in deciding every case.
The CJN defined that judicial officers nonetheless owe their conscience and the generality of the Nigerians significantly those that are wanting as much as them, the nice duty of excellent ethical rectitude and acceptable conduct to uphold and consolidate the belief reposed in them.
Justice Ariwoola instructed the newly appointed judges to be guided by fact and the regulation in addition to think about their appointments to the bench at this significant interval of our nationwide historical past as not accidentally however a divine ordination.
“By virtue of the oath you have just taken, you have, automatically, assumed new status and responsibilities in life. A new blank page in the Book of Life has just been opened for you, and as it is with public office, especially the Judiciary, you are completely opened to daily public scrutiny.
The pen is right there in your hand to write whatever you desire to be the content of the new page that is now openly displayed in the public domain.
Like I always say, even though judicial officers are not spirits or superhuman beings, so many impossible things are yet expected from them by society.”
Justice Ariwoola reminded the brand new judges that, the bench is neither for the indolent, the grasping nor these with doubtful character, “who can easily fall for a plate of porridge offered by desperate litigants.”
He requested them to always, rise above temptations and trials that may hinder and even halt their rise to the top of their profession.
“We are all humans, no doubt, but you display the humanism in you by doing those extraordinary things that people would ordinarily conclude that you cannot do.”
“You have just entered into a lifetime covenant with the Almighty God and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Henceforth, whatever you do rightly will be counted, and accordingly, recorded in your favour”.
The CJN stated, “Your Appointment to the bench is not an appointment to wealth, vainglory, dishonest disposition or ostentatious lifestyle through corrupt acquaintances.”
He stated the searchlight of the National Judicial Council beams brightly on all judicial officers throughout the nation because the physique ought to by no means be both by omission or fee, mistaken for a toothless Bulldog.
Many members of the family and well-wishers attended the swearing-in ceremony.
