Auta tasks judges on courage amid attacks

• Court begins electronic filing of rulings
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, yesterday charged judges to be courageous in the discharge of their duties amid attacks from certain quarters.

During the court’s end of year get-together, Auta noted that the very moment the independence of the judiciary was tampered with, the fabric of the society was destroyed.

He, therefore, charged his colleagues and other judicial officers to resist any form of harassment or intimidation.

“We are hopeful that the judiciary and our brother judges will rise to the occasion and ensure that the independence of the judiciary is not traded for harassment and intimidation.

“The moment the independence of the judiciary is completely eroded and judges are no longer courageous to dispense justice without fear or favour, then the society is doomed.

“I therefore urge you not to be shaken in your resolve to build a strong and dependable judiciary whose pronouncements will be appreciated by all who go through the portals of our justice administration system,” he said.

The chief judge cautioned against attempts to ridicule the judiciary before the public.