The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad has charged tribunal judges who will preside over petitions from the governorship elections in both Edo and Ondo States to be firm and upright in their adjudications.

Swearing in 85 judges that will partake in the tribunal cases in the two states as well as other bye-elections in other states of the federation, CJN Tanko Muhammad urged them all not to be swayed by sentiments and cheap blackmail in discharging their duties.

“There is no doubt that temptations, tribulations, intimidations and even sheer blackmails may be unleashed on you but as thoroughbred judicial officers, you must guide your loins to rise above all and do what will earn you accolades in the court of public opinions,” Muhammad said at the event on Thursday.

“There is no mountain too high to scale, and there is no goal too difficult to achieve as far as you have firmly resolved to attain higher heights in life,” he said.

The CJN told the judges that they are expected to conduct their affairs within the ambit of the law and the oath that has just been administered on them, as anything short of that would place them on the wrong side of history and God would ask them the questions that they may not be proud enough to answer.

“I will not condone any act of recklessness, abuse of power and public trust. This is a rare opportunity and you must give a good account of yourselves.You should count yourselves worthy to be so entrusted with this humongous responsibility of deciding the fate of those who would be contesting the highest political offices in Edo and Ondo States, respectively, and some other political offices in other states by virtue of the forthcoming elections,” he said.

The CJN reminded the judges that trust is a burden which they must discharge with utmost sincerity, honesty and transparency, “because conscience is an open wound healed only by truth”.

He urged members of the election petition tribunals to rise and operate above every sentiment that might play out in the course of their adjudication in the tribunal.

“All eyes are on you and always remember that your conducts will be publicly dissected and thoroughly scrutinized. Do what is right in our law books and you will have your names etched in gold. Do what is at variance with your conscience and you will get a scar that will terminally dent your ascension to higher height in life,” he said.