The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has appointed thirty-nine additional judges to serve in election tribunals. The move has been justified by the avalanche of petitions arising from the 2023 general elections. The 39 judges were administered the oath of office by the CJN on Thursday with a mandate to quickly rise up to the challenges posed by the piled-up petitions.
The CJN congratulated the new members and advised them to do their very best for the country at this point in time. He acknowledged the enormity of the national assignment saying that it will literally put the contents of their conscience to the test. Justice Ariwoola observed that elections held in a fragile rule of law seldom lead to lasting democratic governance and enjoined the new tribunal members to always strike a balance between justice and the rule of law as they embark on this critical national assignment.
Whilst affirming that the members would be exposed to different forms of temptations and even blackmails, the CJN warned that “whatever action or inaction you exhibit today will serve as your testament in the annals of the Nigerian judiciary”. He stressed the need for the members to be mindful of the oath they have just taken because it now stands as an uncompromising witness between them and their creator.
The CJN made it clear that participation in these tribunals at this crucial phase of the Nigerian judiciary is no coincidence but the clear design of Almighty God. He informed the members that the trumpet must first sound from the temple of justice, hence they have been put forward as champions of this noble cause.
As judicial officers, the CJN said they must rise above the murky waters of failure and infamy, adding that this is not the first oath the members are taking as judicial officers, and certainly won’t be the last as they ascend the ladder of their career.
The CJN reminded them that they now have the power to adjudicate on electoral disputes and take decisions in accordance with their convictions, which must be deeply rooted in law and not sentiments or public opinion. “Rule of law delayed is lasting peace denied because justice is a handmaiden of true peace. We need this in Nigeria more than ever before,” the CJN said.
