– charges them on good Judgement
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, on Monday administered the oath of office to 11 new Justices joining the bench of the Supreme Court.
The Swearing in ceremony held in the main courtroom of the Supreme court, Abuja marked the official commencement of the new justices on the highest judicial bench in Nigeria.
Among the newly sworn-in Justices are Jummai Hannatu Sankey, Chidiebere Nwaoma Uwa, Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme, Haruna Simon Tsammani, and Moore Aseimo A. Adumein. Additionally, the new justices include Obande Festus Ogbuinya, Stephen Jonah Adah, Habeeb Adewale O. Abiru, Jamilu Yammama Tukur, Abubakar Sadiq Umar, and Mohammed Baba Idris.
In his address, Justice Ariwoola emphasized on the imperative of maintaining impartiality while urging the new sworn in justices not to let personal ambition override their judgement.
He further cautioned them against engaging with individuals of questionable character or influence, advising them to let their conscience guide their thoughts and actions.
He also prepared them for the inevitable criticisms and verbal attacks they may face from litigants who have lost cases, particularly as justices of the final court of the land, where expectations are often high.
“There is no way you can please human beings, especially litigants. The easiest way to fail in life is by trying to please everyone. The only deity you can fear, is the Almighty God”, he said.
“Once your judgement is in consonance with what God expects from you, and is also in accordance with the Constitution, you should consider yourself the happiest and freest person on earth.”
The CJN however told them that their elevation to the Supreme Court bench is in recognition of their astuteness and evident passion for hard work, which is the hallmark of judicial excellence.
Justice Ariwoola said “I administering oath of office to the 11 new Justices is unprecedented in the annals of the Nigerian Supreme Court.
Recall his speech last year, where he lamented that the inability of the Court to meet up the statutory full compliment of 21 Justices had lingered for too long and promised to break the jinx”.
He added that they are coming to join the Supreme Court bench at a time when the rank had been grossly depleted to an all-time low of 10 Justices for a number of reasons, mainly retirement and deaths.
He urged them to put in their best as seasoned judicial officers transiting from the Court of Appeal and had established remarkable acquaintances with judicial oath and roles guiding the conduct of judicial officers.
“Your moral uprightness, integrity and respect for the constitution and other extant laws in operation, must be unwavering and unassailable”, he said.
The CJN however urged them to see themselves as the representatives of God on earth, because “any judgment given at this level can only be upturned in heaven”.