Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports
THE Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, told Nigerians yesterday, particularly the political class, to let the judiciary do its job without undue pressure.
Justice Ariwoola made the request shortly after President Muhammadu Buhari swore him in as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria, just before the start of the weekly Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The ceremony was attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, as well as the governors of Oyo and Ondo states, Seyi Makinde and Rotimi Akeredolu, respectively.
Speaking to State House correspondents after his inauguration, Justice Ariwoola urged politicians across the country to allow the judiciary to function, reminding them that the rule of law is not static.
He stated that several reforms are being implemented in the judiciary to improve the speed with which justice is delivered.
“I give all glory to God, and I believe the Lord who has brought me this far will continue to support me to do the best for Nigerians, and as I said on the 27th of June, when I was sworn in as acting Chief Justice, I shall not let Nigerians down,” the CJN said.
“As you can see, they’re all here with me, just as they were when I was sworn in as an actor.” We will not let Nigerians down with their help.
“We will make progress and advance the Nigerian judiciary for the benefit of all men and women, not just the common man.”
On ongoing judicial reforms, he stated, “We are already computerizing the Supreme Court, as well as all other courts of records, so that delays in filing cases will become a thing of the past.”
“We’re developing e-filing and e-diary so that lawyers can stay in the comfort of their chambers and contact and address the court via zoom.” Computerization is already underway in Nigeria, not only in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, but also in other courts of record.
“Politicians must allow the judiciary to operate.” Law is not static, which is why the National Assembly has continued to amend the laws, and it is the laws that the courts apply to the facts at hand.
“We will continue to do justice if Nigerians will allow us to perform and function freely.”
Speaking to reporters, Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, expressed gratitude to the president on behalf of the people and government of Oyo State for the appointment of an Oyo State indigene to the position of CJN.
“We are really happy,” Makinde said, noting that the state had not been in such a position for a long time. One of our own is now the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and the people of Oyo State are grateful to Mr. President for seeing the process through, from Justice Ariwoola’s appointment as acting CJN, to his confirmation in the Senate, and now to his inauguration as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.”
“Well, you know, it’s been quite a while since this type of opportunity knocked on our door,” he said of the appointment’s significance to the state. So we consider ourselves fortunate, and we look forward to assisting him in contributing to the development of the Nigerian judiciary.”
In response to a question about his absence from the flag off of his party’s presidential campaign in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Monday, the governor said he did not attend because he was busy at home.
“I’ve been busy at home, in Oyo State, campaigning for everyone,” he said. It is in Oyo that I need to gather votes, not in Uyo. As a result, I stayed in Oyo.”
