The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has sworn in 22 new Justices of the Court of Appeal on Wednesday.
The new justices include Abdullahi Muhammad Liman from Nasarawa State; Abiodun Azeem Akinyemi from Ogun State; Olukayode Adegbola Adeniyi from Oyo State; Zainab Bage Abubakar from Kebbi State; Isaq Mohammed Sani from Kaduna State and Lateef Babajide Lawal-Akapo from Lagos State and Ngozika U. Okaisabor from Imo State respectively.
Others are Donatus Nwaezuoke Okorowo from Enugu State; Ruqayat Oremei Ayoola from Kogi State; Polycarp Terna Kwahar from Benue State; Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike from Rivers State; Fadawa Umaru from Borno State; Oyewumi Oyejoju Oyebiola from Oyo State; Ntong Festus Ntong from Akwa Ibom State; Nehizena Idemudia Afolabi from Edo State; and Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba from Abia State.
The rest are Abdu Dogo from Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; Abdulazeez M. Anka from Zamfara State; Owibunkeonye Onwosi from Ebonyi State; Asma’u Akanbi-Yusuf from Kwara State; Victoria Toochukwu Nwoye from Anambra State; and Enenche Eleojo from Kogi State.
The Chief Justice urged the new justices and judges to uphold the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, and justice in their duties.
The CJN said: “My Lords, you have just taken the oath to pledge your allegiance to the dictates of the Almighty God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is a solemn pledge and commitment to good conduct in the course of your adjudication, especially as senior judicial officers in the appellate court.
“The number of Justices that we have just sworn in today is quite unprecedented in the recent history of the Court of Appeal. The last time we had a large number like this was on Monday, June 28, 2021, when 18 Justices were sworn in. That was preceded by Monday, November 5, 2012, when 12 Justices were inaugurated.
“Today’s ceremony is an indication of the perilous times that we are currently in, which has resulted in an upsurge in litigation. Several unfathomable crimes are being committed in the country, aside from the usual political matters that have made litigations go on an alarming rise.
“No Court in the land is spared of this litigation deluge, as it were. We are constantly on our toes, and the dockets are ever increasing in response to the challenges of the time.”
Justice Ariwoola emphasized the importance of their role in addressing the increasing litigation in the country, particularly with the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.
“In the next couple of months, we shall be having two governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, respectively. As usual, the Courts will be besieged with a plethora of petitions. It is our statutory duty to hear all matters that come before us and adjudicate according to the laws of the land.
“We must not falter, and we must not tread the path of infamy. Yes, it is true that we cannot please everyone through our actions and work, but with the right application of the law and the Constitution of the land, which we all have collectively pledged to uphold, we can go a long way to do those things that our conscience will be very proud of; and the generality of the Nigerian citizens will equally be happy about.
“The enormous task of cleaning the Augean stable rests squarely on Your Lordships. So, you must hastily fasten your belt and roll up your sleeves to face the challenges head-on. In other words, you should hit the ground speeding at a supersonic velocity; and not just running,” the CJN said.
He also addressed the issue of conflicting judgments and interlocutory orders from coordinate jurisdictions, vowing to take “punitive measures against erring judges.”
“We have already activated the process of reining in such errant Judges with a view to making them face the consequences of their despicable and odious conduct.”
The CJN emphasized the need for judicial officers to serve the Nigerian masses with integrity and deliver trustworthy judgments.