From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has warned judges against bringing the judiciary into disrepute.
He gave the warning while declaring open the 39th annual FHC Judges’ Conference and the FHC’s 50th anniversary lectures in Abuja. He urged them not to hesitate in consulting to bring the best out of their rulings and judgments.
Justice Ariwoola admonished the judges not to attempt to convince anybody, no matter how highly placed, but to always consult with laws and rules before writing their judgments and rulings.
“Go the extra mile to justify your appointments, and do not create loopholes that could tarnish the image and reputation of the Court. Do not attempt to convince anybody, no matter how highly placed, but always consult laws and rules before writing your judgments and rulings.
“Always write judgments that the Court of Appeal will have no option but to affirm. Being a judge is not a child’s play, particularly in your court, where you don’t sit on a panel. You sit all alone.
“Go the extra mile to justify the appointments, and do not create loopholes that could tarnish the image and reputation of the court.”
He also warned the judges against taking their appointments to the bench for granted.
Ariwoola said the Federal High Court was not only the largest and best in the country, but also the only court that has exclusive originating jurisdiction over election-related matters in the country.
“For the reasons I have just enumerated, I charge you not to take your appointments for granted. You must work harder to justify the appointments by always coming up with judgments and decisions that would not be rejected by the appellate courts,” he said.
The Chief Judge of the court, Justice John Tsoho, recalled the establishment of the court 50 years ago, with a single courtroom and five judges in Lagos, but has grown to 37 divisions and 95 judges.
He said it has been the practice of the court from inception for judges of the court to meet annually to appraise the activities of the previous year with a view to finding solutions to identified problems.
“The object of this conference, therefore, is to critically discuss issues confronting us as a court, and seek remedies to them. We will also be addressed by practitioners in different fields of knowledge and learning, which will help us to continue to have a grip on our health and intellectual competence.”
He said the FHC would always seek ways and means to enhance justice delivery in the country.
Justice Tsoho said the 23 judges recently appointed to beef up the performance of the court have since been inducted and deployed to various divisions.