You must remain fearless, CJN tells judges

Walter Onnoghen, chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), has asked judges in the country to remain fearless.

Onnoghen said this in Abuja on Saturday while swearing in Abdu Kafarati, acting chief judge of the federal high court.

Kafarati replaced Ibrahim Auta who retired from service in September.

The CJN said the duties of the judges required them to stay above board, adding that the oath of office has compelled them to do justice to all.

“The applications of these guiding rules can help guarantee the rule of law in the country,” he said.

“But it is also important to remind you that in performing that role, you must be bold and fearless not minding whose ox is gored.

“The public still holds its perception about the judiciary, but ensure that your decisions and actions would assist in deepening the country’s unity.

“I want to also urge all the judges to support the acting chief judge to succeed in his new office.”

Onnoghen expressed delight on Auta’s contribution to the country’s jurisprudence.

He said the out gone judge will forever be remembered for his “impeccability, incorruptibility and sound judgments that had helped in strengthening law practice”.

“No judicial officer is immune or speared from criticisms. You had your fair share and you have left us today. We thank you for weathering those storms,’’ he added.

Born in 1954 in Kwami, Gombe state, Kafarati was called into the Nigerian Bar between October 1975 and June 1978.

He was a judge at the Abuja division of the federal high court prior to his appointment as the chief judge of the court.