On Monday, Nigeria’s Chief Justice, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, announced that the Supreme Court will soon have the full complement of 21 justices, as stipulated by the Constitution, for the first time in its existence.
The move, according to him, is intended to save the Supreme Court from the wave of retirements that slammed it and, for the first time, reduced the total number of Justices to only 10.
At the Supreme Court Complex, at the inauguration of 58 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and the start of the Court’s 2023–2024 legal year, Justice Ariwoola disclosed this.
The Chief Justice noted that although his predecessor had initiated the fight to place the requisite 21 Justices on the Supreme Court bench, it had failed before he left office.
On the other hand, he claimed that he started working on the conflict as soon as he took office on June 27, 2022, due to the pressing necessity for it.
“Even though they are not yet on board, I can assure the litigant public that the Supreme Court of Nigeria will, in a very short time, have the full complement of 21 Justices as prescribed by the Constitution for the first time in its history,” he stated.
It appears that the Court has been somewhat “jinxed” from performing its Constitutional mandate since that piece of law was established several years ago, therefore it is one of the legacies I have been trying extremely hard to leave behind.
Speaking on the judiciary’s misfortune, he continued, “Our courts should be trusted both domestically and internationally due to their strong institutional and individual independence and their high regard for the rule of law.”
The CJN advocated for sufficient statutory protection of the judiciary’s independence, not just at the federal level but also at the state level, in order for them to be perceived as fully independent in all respects.
“Everyone should constantly cherish the rule of law and the judiciary’s total independence. I shall do everything in my power to ensure that it continues to be a part of my duty as Nigeria’s Chief Justice.
The judiciary is more deserving of the public’s faith and confidence now than it has ever been, and we are prepared to reposition it for efficient justice delivery to elevate our beautiful nation to a notable status in the respect of the rule of law and the principles of constitutionalism.
“We as a judicial body are pledging with all of our hearts that we will work even harder and longer hours to ensure that our nation earns the utmost respect and confidence from its citizens as well as the global community.
He counselled every Judicial Officer under our jurisdiction to use hard labour and literature as their weapons against ignorance, conservatism, and stagnation.
“A judge who does not uphold the highest standards of integrity is ineligible to remain in the Chair of the Judicial Officers.” Similarly, a Judicial Officer cannot be permitted to occupy the divine Chair of a Judge if it is shown that he is corrupt.
As I previously stated, exercise courage in all of your decisions and rule without fear or favor—for fear and favour can take many different forms. Fears of one’s own past, peer pressure, public censure, etc. are a few examples.
Contrary to what some people frequently believe, favours can also be given through nepotism, personal bias, and prejudice. We should all be aware that maintaining the public’s trust in the judiciary requires maintaining the integrity of the legal system.
Because of this, we have to avoid favouritism and fear at all costs. People will question the legal system and the river of justice will remain soiled if they believe your decision is incomplete, biassed, or tainted. Without a doubt!
As a result, it is our grave duty to always maintain the river clean. Undoubtedly, a judge’s impartiality is what makes them stand out. I therefore urge everyone to always be objective in all of our assessments.
Regarding the Apex Court’s performance in the previous year, the CJN stated that 1,271 matters, including motions and appeals, were submitted with the court between September 12, 2022, and July 11, 2023. He stated that the Court considered 464 civil appeals, 215 criminal appeals, and 388 political appeals.
In a similar vein, he stated that the court heard 49 criminal motions, 153 civil motions, and 2 political motions in total.
He claimed that the Court issued 251 judgements in all between September 30, 2022, and July 11, 2023. Of these, there were 45 criminal appeals, 81 civil appeals, and 125 political appeals.
“The Court delivered 91 Rulings in total during the period under review, which lasted exactly 10 months.”
The CJN instructed the new SANs to exercise caution in their words, deeds, and company since they have already taken on the role of Court Ministers and are required to support the Court in achieving justice, equity, and fairness in all of its manifestations.
As stewards of justice, “you must exhibit enormous integrity, self-discipline, and a high standard of advocacy,” the CJN declared.
The privilege you have been granted today does not, in any way, transform you into a superhuman being because self-control and humility are still necessary qualities to deal with life’s challenges.
As we rejoice in the legal year’s accomplishments in case resolution, I would like to caution all Nigerians about the need to reduce litigation and increase the use of alternative dispute resolution techniques in order to relieve the courts of this needless overstretching of their material and human resources.
I have often stated that not every disagreement has to go to court, and not every case has to go all the way to the Supreme Court for an appeal.
“Our rules must be changed so that the Court of Appeal, which is capable, nimble, and well-stocked with the necessary resources to make wise decisions, handles the majority of appeals. There can only be one victor in any disagreement, and that victor could only be reached through protracted judicial proceedings that are transparent and grounded in the country’s existing laws.
In an attempt to win, some litigants would mistakenly and fervently desire us to import foreign laws to test our cases here, but this is not permitted.
We need to start adopting a different mindset if we are to advance as a country and successfully create a strong legal system that will protect our interests.
