CJN To Judges: Don’t Allow Anyone Influence Your Judgements

The Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has warmed judges of the Federal High Court against taking their individual appointments as a judge for granted.

The CJN warned them not to attempt to consult anybody no matter how highly placed but to always consult with laws and rules before writing their judgments and rulings.

The CJN issued the warning yesterday while declaring open the 2023 Conference of Judges of the Federal High Court held at the Court’s headquarters in Abuja.

He said that to be a Judge and Lord of Courts is not a child’s play, hence, as judges, they must always strive to come up with judgments that would stand the test of time, especially judgments that would not be overturned by appellate courts.

Justice Ariwoola reminded the judges that the Federal High Court is not only the largest and best in the country, but the only court that has exclusive originating jurisdiction over election related matters in the country.

“For the reasons I have just enumerated, I charge you not to take your appointments for granted. You must work harder to justify the appointments by always coming up with judgments and decisions that would not be rejected by the appellate courts.

“Go extra miles to justify the appointments and do not create loopholes that could tarnish the image and reputation of the court,” he said.

He congratulated the judges for the opportunity of witnessing the conference and the 50th year existence of the court.

Earlier, the Chief Judge of the Court, Justice John Tsoho had recalled the establishment of the court 50 years ago with a single court room and five Judges in Lagos but has grown to 37 Divisions and 95 judges at the moment.