The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Kidirat Kekere-Ekun has urged the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, to tackle the backlog of cases pending before it.
According to the CJN, both the CCT and the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, must adopt proactive measures, including sending reminders to public institutions and agencies to file their declarations before the due date.
She maintained that such measure would further enhance compliance.
The CJN gave the advice when she received in her office, members of the Tribunal led by the Chairman, Mr Mainasara Umar.
The CCT was set up to try public officers that acted in breach of their code of conduct, especially on the issue of false or anticipatory declaration of assets.
Addressing the Chairman and members of the panel, Justice Kekere-Ekun urged the tribunal to guard its independence jealously.
A statement that was signed by the media aide to the CJN, Mr. Tobi Soniyi, disclosed that the team sought support to make the tribunal more efficient and better positioned to deliver on its mandate.
It said the Chairman bemoaned the deplorable state of facilities at the tribunal, saying he had taken steps to remedy the situation.
He further pleaded for support of the leadership of the judiciary to ensure that the tribunal receives the resources it would need to function optimally.
In her response, the CJN urged the panel to adopt innovative approach to resolving the challenges facing the tribunal.
She further enjoined the tribunal to work strictly within the jurisdiction conferred on it by the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The CJN reminded the tribunal members of their oath of office and urged them to maintain high fidelity to the constitution, saying they should always uphold the law without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.
“Remember always that the credibility of the Tribunal, and indeed the entire judicial system, rests on the integrity and impartiality of its adjudicators. Let your actions inspire confidence in the institution you now lead,” the CJN added.
In the area of capacity building, the CJN reminded the Chairman of the tribunal of the availability of the National Judicial Institute to assist in prioritizing appropriate training through seminars and workshops for the tribunal members and the supporting staff.
