CJN to judges: Impartiality is our hallmark — be fair in your verdicts

Olukayode Ariwoola, chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), says impartiality is the hallmark of any judge.

Ariwoola spoke on Monday at a special session to mark a new legal year and swearing-in ceremony of new senior advocates of Nigeria (SAN).

The CJN said judges must be impartial in all the judgments they deliver.

“Therefore, it is our solemn responsibility to keep the river clean at all times. Needless to say that impartiality is the hallmark of a judge,” he said.

“I admonish all of us to always be impartial in all our judgments.

“I am saying all these now because I will never have this great privilege and opportunity to address the galaxies of legal luminaries — judicial icons and distinguished personalities in the justice sector of our dear nation, in another legal year of the supreme court as Chief Justice of Nigeria — in my entire lifetime again.”

Ariwoola said he would strive to ensure that the judiciary remains independent.

“The rule of law and the holistic independence of the judiciary should always be cherished by all,” he said.

“As the Chief Justice of Nigeria, I will do everything within my ability to make it remain part of my responsibility to nourish.

“The Judiciary, as it is today, is more deserving of public trust and confidence than ever before; and we are poised to reposition it for effective justice delivery to make our beloved country a destination of note in the observance of the rule of law and tenets of Constitutionalism.

“Nigeria must move forward in all spheres of life; and we must collectively evolve a society where things must be done right to get the right environment for every right thing to thrive rightly for our collective good.”

‘MAKE BOOKS YOUR ARMOUR’

The CJN said judges must make books their armour and hard work their armaments to confront “ignorance and conservatism”.

“I therefore, advise all Judicial Officers serving in our jurisdiction to make books their armour and hard work their armaments to confront the headwinds of ignorance, conservatism and stagnation,” he said.

“It is imperative to know that the world we are only remembers those who lead from the front and set trends for others to emulate.”

Ariwoola said judges should not be afraid of venturing into unchartered territories, “provided your knowledge is adequate and your skills are equally well tested”.