President Bola Tinubu on Thursday urged members of the judiciary not to be deterred in the commitment to their constitutional mandate of ensuring justice.
President Tinubu gave the charge at the public presentation of the autobiography of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the retired Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is expected to take over the leadership of Nigeria’s judiciary on Friday after Justice Ariwoola retired on Aug. 22, having attained the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.
President Tinubu, who was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the judiciary should not be discouraged by the antics of those who only believe the justice systems works when judgments are given in their favour.
“I urge the Nigerian judiciary to live up to its constitutional mandate and ignore those who never see anything good in the judiciary unless the pendulum of justice swings in their favour,” he said.
Tinubu, who acknowledged the many contributions of the judiciary, said that “incisive judgments that provide extensive societal reforms, such as the one that recently liberated the local government councils from the shackles of financial lack, are critical to our society’s growth and development.”
He commended Ariwoola for the many reforms initiated as the CJN, which he said had resulted in significant improvement in the administration of justice, including increased salaries and allowances for judicial officers.
“As the President of Nigeria, I am happy to have witnessed some of these laudable achievements. I hope his successor in office will carry on the torch passed on by His Lordship,” he said.
The president said that the success of Ariwoola’s academic and professional career was not in doubt, adding that “his commitment to the ideals of a just and fair society can also not be overemphasised.”
A former military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, who chaired the occasion, urged judges to always ensure justice for all, irrespective of language, religion or political affiliation.
He hailed Justice Ariwoola for his many accomplishments within his two-year tenure as the CJN.
Abubakar also enjoined Nigerians to adopt the principle of always ensuring justice in their dealings, as reflected in the title of Justice Ariwoola’s autobiography titled; “Judging with Justice.”
“One significant thing I have learnt by reason of my association with the profession is that most Justices, who have written their names in gold are concerned not only with delivering judgments. But, rather, their primary focus on the Bench is justice.
“I was therefore not surprised when I was informed that the title of Justice Ariwoola’s autobiography is ‘Judging With Justice’.
“I want to believe that this title should be the creed of every judicial officer.
“It is the question that every judge should ask himself at the conclusion of every case: ‘Have I judged with justice in this case?’
“It is however not a question for judges alone. It is a question that should be the guiding principle for all of us, whatever our professional calling is.
“As leaders and citizens, judging with justice should be our watchword.
“When we judge with justice, we prioritise patriotism, we promote the rule of law, we disavow corrupt practices, and we shun illegality,” he said.
“I am convinced that if we all subscribe to the ideal of judging with justice, our country will be the better for it.”
The President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Justice Benedict Kanyip, who reviewed the 496-page book, comprising of 13 chapters, said it is an invaluable compendium that is worth reading by everyone.
The incoming CJN, Justice Kerere-Ekun, described Ariwoola as “a great and blessed man who is disciplined and forthright.
“I congratulate him for a job well done,” she said.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, said Ariwoola had laid a good example in the judiciary system.
“You are retiring today but not tired. On behalf of the entire Yoruba people, we thank God for your life.
“You have actually made us proud. During your tenure, we experienced peace and smooth transition
“We will continue to pray for you and the judiciary system,” he said.
NAN reports that the book launch attracted other eminent Nigerians, Justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, politicians, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun.(NAN)