Judicial Reforms: SAN Calls For Merit-based Judicial Appointments

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Charles Mekwunye, has underscored the critical need for transparency, integrity, and merit in appointing judicial officers.

Dr Mekwunye insisted that the appointment of judges must be rooted in integrity, intellectual rigour, and an unyielding commitment to upholding justice.

The senior lawyer spoke in Lagos ahead of the launch of a book chronicling the judicial career of former Chief Justice of Nigeria Olukayode Ariwoola, titled “Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, CJN, GCON: Through the Cases”.

The book, co-authored by Dr Mekwunye and the Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Chairman of the Editorial Board of the Nigerian Weekly Law Reports (NWLR), Ayo Olanrewaju, provides a comprehensive exploration of Justice Ariwoola’s years of service in Nigeria’s appellate courts and highlights his significant contributions to the development of the nation’s jurisprudence.

The book, which will be launched on May 8 in Abuja, is expected to attract dignitaries from across the country, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, who will chair the event, and the current CJN Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, along with other prominent members of the legal community.

According to Mekwunye, the book critically examines Justice Ariwoola’s judgments, shedding light on his judicial philosophy and impact.

He pointed out that Justice Ariwoola, known for his adherence to legal precedent, never delivered a dissenting judgment throughout his career but still advanced legal principles through his consensus opinions.

The lawyer also maintained that the judiciary could only preserve its credibility and fulfil its constitutional mandate by prioritising competence and principled leadership.

He urged Nigerians to approach criticism of judicial decisions with nuance and respect for the rule of law.

He said, “The judiciary does not operate in the realm of social media narratives or public sentiment.

“Court rulings are grounded in the evidence presented and the legal arguments advanced, not in popular opinion,” he added.