The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has decried the conflicting orders from judges of coordinate jurisdiction, saying that the development is embarrassing, warning that measure has been activated to deal with erring judges.
The CJN also called on the judiciary to do the right thing when called upon to adjudicate disputes that may emanate from the forthcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.
The CJN spoke on Wednesday at the Supreme Court in Abuja during the swearing-in ceremony of 22 new Justices of the Court of Appeal (JCAs) and 12 judges of the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
The CJN said, “I have made it known at different fora that we have been treated to an unpalatable cocktail of misleading and conflicting judgments as well as frivolous 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 will never handle it with levity. Punitive measures must definitely be meted out to such erring judges.
“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 litigation go on an alarming rise.”
The CJN further said, “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 fact 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.”
Justice Ariwoola also challenged the new Court of Appeal Justices to “give a good account of yourselves to justify your elevation.”
“Like we often say, to whom much is given, much is expected. Your Lordships must not rest on your laurels, as the onus now lies more heavily on you to discharge your judicial duties more dispassionately, discretionally, 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.
“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 the expectations,” the CJN added.
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