Babatunji Wusu –
11 new justices have been formally admitted to the Supreme Court by Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola, who has emphasized the value of upholding integrity and fair decision-making.
At the swearing-in event, Justices Jummai Hannatu Sankey, Moore Aseimo A. Adumein, Haruna Simon Tsammani, Chidiebere Nwaoma Uwa, and Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme were among the notable additions to the nation’s highest court’s bench.
During his speech, Justice Ariwoola advised the recently appointed justices not to let their personal goals cloud their judgment.
He emphasized that in carrying out their judicial obligations, they must cut all connections with those of dubious character and follow their conscience.
In addition, the CJN equipped the incoming justices for the anticipated attacks and difficulties that accompany their role as arbiters in the nation’s highest court.
He emphasized that plaintiffs frequently have exaggerated and perhaps irrational expectations, which causes them to verbally abuse justices who rule against them.
This historic event demonstrates the judiciary’s dedication to maintaining integrity and justice within the Nigerian legal system.
It is expected that these new justices would have a significant impact on how Nigerian jurisprudence develops once they take office.
He said, “There is no way you can please human beings, especially litigants. The easiest way to fail in life is by trying to please everyone. The only deity you can fear is the Almighty God”, he said and added, “Once your judgement is in consonance with what God expects from you, and is also in accordance with the Constitution, you should consider yourself the happiest and freest person on earth.” The CJN told the new Justices that, their elevation to the Supreme Court Bench is in recognition of their astuteness and evident passion for hard work, which is the hallmark of judicial excellence Justice Ariwoola said, that administering oath of office to the 11 new Justices was unprecedented in the annals of the Nigerian Supreme Court and recalled his speech last year, where he lamented that the inability of the Court to meet the statutory full compliment of 21 Justices had lingered on for too long and promised to break the jinx. He told the new Justices that they were coming to join the Supreme Court Bench at a time when the rank had been grossly depleted to an all-time low of ten Justices for several reasons, mainly retirement and deaths. He urged them to put in their best as seasoned judicial officers transiting from the Court of Appeal and had established remarkable acquitances with judicial oaths and roles guiding the conduct of judicial officers. “Your moral uprightness, integrity and respect for the constitution and other extant laws in operation, must be unwavering and unassailable”, he said and urged the new Justices to see themselves as the representatives of God on earth, because “any judgement given at this level can only be upturned in heaven”.
