The National Judicial Council (NJC) has intensified efforts towards the recruitment of competent legal minds into the various courts in the country in a bold attempt to bridge shortfall in the number of serving judicial officers. In June, the Supreme Court started the process of appointing judges to join its severely depleted bench. Invitations were
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has intensified efforts towards the recruitment of competent legal minds into the various courts in the country in a bold attempt to bridge shortfall in the number of serving judicial officers.
In June, the Supreme Court started the process of appointing judges to join its severely depleted bench. Invitations were extended to the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and Nigerians generally. The move apparently aims to fill the court’s bench to its full complement of 21 justices – a feat the court has never attained. At present, only 11 justices are adjudicating in the Supreme Court bench.
Last week, nine justices were sworn in to swell the rank of the judges at the Court of Appeal. Justices of the Court of Appeal are now 81. And, on Wednesday,23 new judges joined the Federal High Court bench. The 23 new judges of the Federal High Court would swell the number of judges of the court to 93, which is still seven judges short of its full complement of 100 judges.
At the swearing in ceremony, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola cautioned judges against corrupt practices. He said: “appointment to the bench is not an appointment to wealth, vainglory, dishonest disposition or ostentatious lifestyle through corrupt acquaintances.”
Reminding the new judges on the enormous powers of the National Judicial Council (NJC) in beaming its searchlight on all judges, Justice Ariwoola warned that the council: “will not waste a moment in taking the necessary action to fish out the bad eggs. So, be careful and take heed, or else, you may end up regretting ever being appointed a judicial officer.”
Justice Ariwoola advised the judges to “sever ties with anything that will smear your hands and bring you into disrepute in the course of your new assignment.” He reminded the new judges that a new chapter had been opened in their lives, stressing that they would be scrutinised by the public.
His words: “vitriolic attacks are regularly heaped on the judiciary,” but added that public opinion “cannot override or supersede the constitution of the country which we apply in deciding each case.”
The CJN asked the judges to rely on the constitution and their conscience in deciding cases that would come before them.
“Your Lordships still owe your conscience and the generality of the Nigerian masses, particularly those who are looking up to you, the great responsibility of good moral rectitude and acceptable conduct to uphold and consolidate the trust reposed in you.”
The ceremony was witnessed by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, and other judges of the court as well as justices of the Court of Appeal.
Some Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) – Yusuf Ali, Ahmed Raji, Abdul Mohammed and Afam Osigwe were at the inauguration ceremony of the new judges.
