Judiciary won’t replace law with emotions of the mob, says CJN

Olukayode Ariwoola, chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), says the judiciary would not replace the law with sentiments and emotions of the public. 

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).

Admonishing justices, the CJN said: “The law remains the law, no matter whose interest is involved”.

“In all we do, as interpreters of the law, we should endeavour to sever the strings of emotion from logic and assumption from fact,” Ariwoola said.

“We should never be overwhelmed by the actions or loud voices of the mob or crowd and now begin to confuse law with sentiment or something else in deciding our cases.

“Nevertheless, unnecessary and unwarranted utterances are bound to embarrass not only others, but the judge himself; thus what should be asked, should be asked, and what should not be asked, should be avoided.”

He also asked justices to be above board and to be bold during adjudication.

“I admonish our judges to, as usual, receive what is tendered in court and eschew what is against the law and facts after thorough analysis and assimilation both in and out of court, which exercise is, of course, part of judgeship,” he said.

“The Caesar’s wife must be above board! Your image and reputation both inside and outside the court must be pristine and crystal clear to all and sundry.

“Like I said earlier, be bold in all your judgments by deciding cases without fear or favour, because fear and favour come in many hues and colours.”