CJN inaugurated 22 Appeal, 12 FCT courts justices .. Charges them to be upright

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Wednesday, charged the newly inaugurated 22 Appeal Court and 12 FCT high court justices to be upright in the discharge of thier duties in the temple of Justice. The CJN reminded the justices that they have taken the oath of allegiance to the dictates of the Almighty God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, therefore, should deliver justice to Nigerians without fear or favour. “It is a solemn pledge and commitment to good conduct in the course of your adjudication, especially as senior judicial officers in the appellate court. ‘The number of Justices that we have just sworn-in today is quite unprecedented in the recent history of the Court of Appeal. The last time we had a large number like this was on Monday, 28 June, 2021, when 18 Justices were sworn-in. That was preceded by that of Monday, 5th November,2012 when 12 Justices were inaugurated. “Today’s ceremony is an indication of the perilous times that we are currently in, which has resulted in an upsurge in litigation. “Several unfathomable crimes are being committed in the country, aside from the usual political matters that have made litigations to go on alarming rise. “No Court in the land is spared of this litigation deluge, as it were. We are constantly on our toes and the dockets are ever increasing in response tO the challenges of the time. “This underscores the tact that Nigeria is fast emerging as a frontline crime-infested country that we all have to urgently curtail. “The enormous task of cleaning the Augean stable rests squarely on Your Lordships. So, you must hastily fasten your belt and roll up your sleeves to face the challenges head-on. In other words, you should hit the ground speeding at a supersonic velocity; and not just running. “You must redouble your pace to catch up with the expectations of the sprawling community of litigants. As judicial officers, you have a divine mandate on earth that you must discharge with unveiled honesty and sincerity. You must give good account of yourselves to justify your elevation to the Court ot Appeal. “In the next couple of months, we shall be having two governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, respectively. As usual, the Courts will be besieged with Plethora of petitions. It is our statutory duty to hear all matters that come before us and adjudicate according to the laws of the land. “We must not falter; and we must not tread the path of infamy. Yes, it is true that we cannot please everyone through our actions and work, but with the right application of the law and the Constitution of the land, which we all have collectively pledged to uphold, we can go a long way to do those things that our conscience will be very proud ot; and the generality of the Nigerian citizens will equally be happy about. “Every position we attain in life always avails us that unique opportunity to do something novel and impactful, especially if there was any previous act of wrongdoing or misapplication of discretion. “With Your Lordships’ elevation to the higher Bench today, you have to be very mindful of the enormous confidence the public is now reposing in you vis-a-vis their expectations. “Like we often say, to whom much Is given, much is expected. Your Lordships must not rest on your oars, as the onus now lies more heavily on you to discharge your judicial duties more dispassionately and transparently. “So, you must, individually and collectively, guide your loins to do more to earn lasting trust and integrity. Your conduct and disposition must tally with the yearnings and aspirations of the generality of the citizenry. “I have made it known at different fora that we have been treated to an unpalatable cocktail ot misleading and conflicting judgments as well as trivolous interlocutory orders emanating from courts of coordinate jurisdictions, which have literally attempted to make a mockery of our judicial system and flagrantly desecrate the revered Temple of Justice. “Several cases of such abound across the length and breadth of the country. This is, largely, an embarrassment to our jurisprudence, and we win never handle it with levity. Punitive measures must detinitely be meted out to such erring Judges. “We have already activated the process of reining-in such errant Judges with a view to making them face the consequence of their despicable and odious conduct. “As Judicial Officers, we have to continually remind Ourselves the fact that we are not occupying our respective positions to serve ourselves, but the Nigerian masses; and the best way we can serve them is by doing what will make them feel safe in our hands and also trust us to always deliver the right judgments that will not be tainted by sentiments, emotions or other clandestine considerations. congratulate “Your Lordships for making the list and wish you the best that you can achieve in this strategic position you now occupy”, the CJN said. Those inaugurated into the bench of the appellate court by the CJN, are: Abdullahi Muhammad Liman from Nasarawa State; Abiodun Azeem Akinyemi from Ogun State; Olukayode Adegbola Adeniyi from Oyo State; Zainab Bage Abubakar from Kebbi State; Isaq Mohammed Sani from Kaduna State; Lateef Babajide Lawal-Akapo from Lagos State; and Ngozika U. Okaisabor from Imo State respectively. Others are: Donatus Nwaezuoke Okorowo from Enugu State; Ruqayat Oremei Ayoola from Kogi State; Polycarp Terna Kwahar from Benue State; Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike from Rivers State; Fadawa Umaru from Borno State; Oyewumi Oyejoju Oyebiola from Oyo State; Ntong Festus Ntong from Akwa Ibom State; Nehizena Idemudia Afolabi from Edo State; and Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba from Abia State. The rest are Abdu Dogo from Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; Abdulazeez M. Anka from Zamfara State; Owibunkeonye Onwosi from Ebonyi State; Asma’u Akanbi-Yusuf from Kwara State; Victoria Toochukwu Nwoye from Anambra State; and Enenche Eleojo from Kogi State.

CJN Ariwoola Declares ECOWAS Judicial Council Conference Open

Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has declared open a 2-day Statutory Meeting of the ECOWAS judicial council conference on enforcement of ECOWAS court judgments. The meeting, which started on Tuesday and has in attendance, the Chief Justices of member countries of the ECOWAS, is holding at the conference hall of the National Judicial Council Abuja. Justice Ariwoola, the Chairman of the ECOWAS Judicial Council, is presiding over the meeting. In an opening address, Justice Ariwoola said the ECOWAS Judicial Council plays a crucial role in the resolution of disputes among member States, ensuring that conflicts are resolved in peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law. “It acts as a mediator and facilitator in resolving disputes, promoting dialogue and reconciliation among member states. “By doing so, the Council contributes to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region,” Justice Ariwoola stated. The ECOWAS Judicial Council Chairman hinted that the objective of the Statutory meeting of ECOWAS Judicial Council is to review the legal framework of the Community Judicial Council, look deeply on our responsibilities and suggest areas for improvement. “No doubt, the ECOWAS Judicial Council is an indispensable institution in the West African region. “Through its numerous functions, the Council strives to ensure the independence and integrity of the judiciary, protect human rights, interpret regional laws, and resolve disputes among member states. “As we move forward, it is crucial to support and strengthen the ECOWAS Judicial Council, as it continues to play vital role in our collective journey towards a more just, peaceful, and integrated West Africa” Justice Ariwoola stated.

CJN Ariwoola Inaugurates 58 New SANs November 27

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola will swear-in 58 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria on Monday,  November 27, 2023, at the main Courtroom of the Supreme Court, as part of the programme lined up for the 2023/2024 legal year of the Court.  In line with the age-long tradition, the CJN will during the special court session, deliver a state-of-the Judiciary address that would highlight the performance of the Supreme Court in particular and the Nigerian Judiciary in general in the 2022/2023 legal year.  The Director of Press and Information of the Apex Court, Dr Akande Festus made this known in a press statement he issued on Sunday in Abuja. According to him, other leading stakeholders in the Justice Sector will present speeches bordering on the state of the justice sector of the country at the occasion. They include the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chairman of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) amongst others. It will be recalled that 114 applications were received by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) for the award of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2023.  Out of the number, 101 are advocates while 13 are academics.  The total number of qualified applicants shortlisted after the Advocates 1st and 2nd Filtration Stages, Academic Pre-qualification, Academic 2nd Filtration Exercise, the Independent Appeals Hearing and Chambers Inspection Exercises was 69 comprising 57 advocates and 12 academics.  After conducting the specified screening and filtration exercises which include a number of appearances in superior courts, recommendations by Justices of the Supreme Court and Judges of superior courts, Chamber inspections; approval on eligibility and integrity of the candidates from the Nigerian Bar Association, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria and the general public, amongst others, the LPPC came up with 58 successful candidates.  Out of the figure, 57 are advocates while one is an academic.  The Supreme Court commenced its annual vacation on Monday, 24th July, 2023.  Though the Court had started sitting since Monday, 18th September, 2023, the new legal year ceremony is to be formally held in accordance with its tradition.  All the programmes outlined to mark the formal commencement of the new legal year will start at 10 am in the main Courtroom of the Supreme Court.

NJC denies alleged letter relinquishing powers to State Govs

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has formally distanced itself from a forged letter that falsely conveys the surrender of its legal authorities and responsibilities concerning the appointment and promotion of judges to State Governors. The legal body’s spokesperson stated that the missive, ostensibly directed to the Chief Judge of Kebbi State and purportedly signed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, did not originate from the NJC or the CJN, who also serves as the NJC’s Chairman. In an official statement released on Sunday, Mr. Soji Oye, the NJC’s Director of Information, unequivocally declared that there is absolutely no basis in reality for the fabricated letter. The NJC’s statement elucidated, “The National Judicial Council has been made aware of a falsified letter dated July 14, 2023, fraudulently attributed to the Council and bearing the signature of the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairperson of the National Judicial Council, Honorable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON.” The fraudulent communication, titled “Judicial Seniority Order of Kebbi State High Court Judges and the Endorsement of Justice Umar Abubakar as the Substantive Chief Judge of Kebbi State,” contends that, “In accordance with Section 10 of the prevailing 1996 Kebbi State law, the Governor possesses the authority to establish the seniority of judges, and the National Judicial Council lacks any capacity to counteract or reverse the Governor’s decision.” The letter further alleges, “The position of the Court’s Lead or Chief Judge is essentially a political appointment, subject to determination by the respective state’s Governor. “To eliminate any misconceptions and uncertainties, the NJC explicitly denies any association with the counterfeit letter and underscores that no such communication originated from the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria or the NJC. “The general public is hereby advised to disregard the forged letter and its contents,” the NJC said. Simultaneously, the NJC said it has reported this unfortunate occurrence to relevant law enforcement agencies, aiming to investigate and apprehend the individual(s) responsible for this reprehensible act.