Tinubu to new Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN: Ignore those who never see anything good in judiciary

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu yesterday told the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to carry on the baton passed on by the retired CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and ignore those who never see anything good in the judiciary unless the pendulum of justice swings their way.

He also extolled the virtues of the outgone CJN, Justice Ariwoola, saying his sojourn on the bench was a testament to the reward for hard work, dedication, and service to Nigeria and humanity.

This is even as the former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, asked every judge to ask themselves whether they had given justice.

Speaking during the public presentation of the book, “Judging with Justice: The Autobiography of Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola”, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, President Tinubu said: “His Lordship’s long and inspiring career on the bench is a testament to the reward for hard work, dedication, and selfless service to the nation and humanity.

‘’As Chief Justice of Nigeria, His Lordship Justice Ariwoola, has used his vast experience and capacity to address the challenges facing the Supreme Court and the Nigerian judiciary.”

The President, who was represented at the book launch by his deputy, Vice President Kashim, recalled the reforms and advancements in the administration of justice during Justice Ariwoola’s tenure, including an increase in the retirement age for judges and other judicial officers to 65-70 years.

“The pensions of judicial officers have been fairly secured as retired judges will now enjoy their full pay as their pension for life. Incisive judgements that provide extensive societal reforms, such as the one that recently liberated the local government councils from the shackles of financial lack, are critical to our society’s growth and development.’

“I hope his (Justice Ariwoola’s) successor in office will carry on the baton passed on by His Lordship. I urge the Nigerian judiciary to live up to its constitutional mandate and ignore those who never see anything good in the Judiciary unless the pendulum of justice swings their way.’’

Earlier, Justice of the Supreme Court, tipped as the incoming CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, shared her experience working closely with Justice Ariwoola, invoking a quote from James Baikie’s “Peeps at Many Lands: Ancient Rome.”

She said: “When a nation becomes great, it is never by ferocity, or falseness, but always by something in the nation that is good and sterling. We have in the person of Justice Ariwoola a living embodiment of these qualities.’’

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