The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, had told newly appointed Supreme Court Justices that their moral uprightness, integrity and respect for the constitution and other extant laws in operation, must be unwavering and unassailable.
The CJN was speaking on Monday, February 26, 2024 during the swearing of the 11 Justices of the Supreme Court telling them to see themselves as the representatives of God on earth, as any judgment given at their level can only be upturned in heaven.
Olukayode Ariwola also told them to halt forthwith, interaction with people of unviable inclinations and pedigree even as he urged them to be prepared for criticisms or verbal assaults by litigants who lost cases before them as Justices of the final Court of the land, where appellants’ expectations are often very high and infectious.
He further cautioned them against allowing their personal ambitions to becloud their sense of judgement, saying that they should allow their conscience to guide and filter every of the thought that crosses their mind.
The Chief Justice said that; “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 added that, “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.”
Olukayode Ariwoola added that the elevation of the 11 Justices to the Supreme Court was in recognition of their astuteness and evident passion for hard work, which is the hallmark of judicial excellence.
The CJN said that administering oath of office to the 11 new Justices was unprecedented in the annals of the Nigerian Supreme Court and noted that in his speech last year, he lamented the inability of the apex court to meet up with its statutory full compliments of 21 Justices which lingered for too long thus, promised to break the jinx.
Olukayode Ariwoola urged the new Justices of the Supreme Court 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.
