Be very careful and vigilant, CJN charges judicial officers

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has cautioned judicial officers against being lured with unmerited material possession that may impair their sense of judgment.

The CJN gave the warning yesterday at the swearing in ceremony of the newly appointed Acting President of the Customary Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Stanley Adekunle Lawal, in Abuja.

Justice Ariwoola noted that the country was plagued with a myriad of problems that need the judiciary to be more upright in its responsibility.

His words: “Nigeria, as we all can see and feel, is currently plagued with a myriad of problems that require our sincere and honest interventions as judicial officers.

“We hear of corruptions of various forms – killings, kidnappings, armed robbery, banditry and all forms of terrorism against the state and individual citizens. Most often, these cases find their way to the court for the right and proper adjudication.

“At the lower rung of the judicial ladder, you are there to represent our interest and crystalise the image of the Nigerian Judiciary by doing justice to all matters that come before your Lordship.

“A lure with unmerited material possessions will not only weaken your reputation but equally impair your sense of judgment. That is not my wish for your Lordship anyway.”

However, you should always be very careful and vigilant too. In everything you do in the course of adjudication, you must consult your God, the Constitution and your conscience.”