Chief Justice of Nigeria ,CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has underscored the judiciary’s steadfastness in upholding the rule of law and avoiding the influence of public sentiments in their decisions.
Speaking at the opening of the special session of the 2023/2024 legal year and the swearing-in of 58 newly conferred Senior Advocates of Nigeria ,SANs, Ariwoola emphasized the importance of judges remaining firm and impartial despite external pressures.
Addressing concerns about perceived bias in rulings related to electoral disputes, which led to the removal of some governors and lawmakers, the CJN urged judicial officers to prioritize honesty, courtesy, and humility in their interactions with litigants, witnesses, and members of the bar.
He emphasized the necessity of adhering to the law, regardless of the individuals involved, and cautioned against being swayed by public opinions or emotions.
He said, “I expect every judicial officer to work very hard and also be very honest and courteous to the litigants, witnesses and members of the bar, and discharge all your judicial functions with all the humility at your command.
“Even while doing this, it is still necessary to have at the back of your minds that public opinions, sentiments or emotions can never take the place of the law in deciding the cases that come before you.
“The law remains the law, no matter whose interest is involved. In all we do, as interpreters of the law, we should endeavour to severe the strings of emotion from logic and assumption from fact.
“We should never be overwhelmed by the actions or loud voices of the mob or crowd and now begin to confuse law with sentiment or something else in deciding our cases.
“Nevertheless, unnecessary and unwarranted utterances are bound to embarrass not only others, but the Judge himself; thus what should be asked, should be asked, and what should not be asked, should be avoided.”
In his commitment to safeguarding the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, the CJN reassured the public of the judiciary’s dedication to fulfilling its constitutional mandate.
He also announced plans to ensure that the Supreme Court reaches its full complement of 21 justices, addressing a longstanding constitutional requirement.
Highlighting the efforts of the Corruption and Financial Crime Cases Trial Monitoring Committee (COTRIMCO), the CJN acknowledged the progress made in fast-tracking the trial of corruption and financial-related crimes. He cited 10 convictions by the ICPC and 1,094 by the EFCC during the 2022/2023 period.
As the judiciary navigates its role in dispensing justice, the CJN’s statements affirm the importance of upholding principles of impartiality, integrity, and adherence to the law in the face of public scrutiny.
The commitment to an independent and robust judiciary remains pivotal in maintaining public trust and confidence.
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