Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, addressed magistrates on Monday, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good behavior to uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary.
He advised them to avoid unnecessary delays in the administration of justice, stating, “Justice must be both swift and equitable; the timeframe must be carefully balanced with the outcome to prevent delays and maintain the credibility of the result.”
Justice Ariwoola, who also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute, delivered these remarks during his keynote speech at the opening of the 2023 induction course for 100 newly appointed magistrates in Abuja.
The conference, centered around the theme “Enhancing Access to Quality Justice Delivery in Magistrates’ Courts,” was co-organized with the participation of the Judicial College of England and Wales.
Representatives from the Judicial College of England and Wales included Deputy Senior District Judge Tanweer Ikram and Circuit Judge Rachel Karp, who also serves as the International Coordinator for the Judicial College. Karp emphasized the necessity of continuous and multidisciplinary judicial training to bolster integrity, impartiality, expertise, and accountability.
The Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Salisu Abdullahi, issued a stern warning to the magistrates against engaging in corrupt practices. He reminded them of their obligation to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers and the Oath of Office they had sworn to uphold.