In a ceremony for the swearing-in of 23 Judges for the Federal High Court, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, emphasized the importance of upholding the Constitution and maintaining moral rectitude despite frequent attacks on the judiciary.
During the ceremony in Abuja, CJN Ariwoola addressed the judges, highlighting that vitriolic attacks on the judiciary, no matter how severe, cannot override or supersede the Constitution of the country. He urged the judges to consistently apply constitutional provisions in deciding cases assigned to them.
Justice Ariwoola acknowledged the challenges faced by the judiciary, stating that public opinion, while significant, cannot outweigh the constitutional principles that guide judges in their decision-making. He emphasized the responsibility of judicial officers to uphold good moral rectitude and conduct, considering the trust placed in them by the Nigerian masses.
The CJN noted that, by taking the oath, the judges assumed a new status and responsibilities, subjecting themselves to daily public scrutiny. He compared the judges to authors holding a pen, with the power to determine the content of the new page opened in the book of life. Despite acknowledging the human limitations of judicial officers, Justice Ariwoola emphasized the high expectations society places on them.
The swearing-in ceremony served as an occasion for the judges to reaffirm their commitment to uphold the law and discharge their duties with integrity and fairness.
