Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, stated on Wednesday that the increase in the number of cases waiting before various courts indicated that the country’s judiciary was not in a good place.
Nigeria consistently ranks among the most litigious nations in the world, according to Justice Ariwoola.
However, the CJN stated that in order to relieve the courts of undue strain and the depletion of material and human resources, Nigerians must start to adopt the culture of less litigation and more alternative dispute resolution.
Nine newly appointed Justices of the Court of Appeal were inaugurated in the Supreme Court by Justice Ariwoola.
The CJN explained the reasons for the ongoing increase in court proceedings by stating that the volume of new offences committed in the nation has caused litigation to continue to grow.
He declared, “Political cases, in particular, are severely depleting our dockets. Indeed, these are not good times, to put it mildly.
No court in the country is exempt from this. The workload is continually increasing as a result of the current difficulties, keeping us on our toes.
“This underlines the undeniable reality that Nigeria consistently ranks among the nations with the highest rate of litigation.
“I firmly believe that it is past time we started adopting the culture of less litigation and more alternative conflict resolution processes in order to liberate our courts from needless strain and the depletion of both human and material resources.
“However, it is entirely up to your Lordships to buckle up and don your aprons in order to meet the challenges head-on.
“You need to pick up the pace to keep up with the litigants’ expectations. You have a heavenly mission to carry out on earth as judges, and you must do it with utmost integrity and sincerity.
To achieve an elevation to the Supreme Court and further realise your aspirations, you must give a solid account of yourself in order to justify your elevation to the Court of Appeals.
The CJN cautioned the new Appeal Court Justices to stay out of trouble with the law by avoiding all temptations and corrupt practises.
In particular, as senior judicial officers in the appellate court, he emphasised that the oath sworn to them to assume office as Justices of the Court of Appeal is a solemn pledge and commitment to good conduct in the course of their adjudication.
We’re not here to give lengthy lectures; rather, we’re here to remind you of the standards of conduct that apply to you at this extremely high and enviable level of adjudication.
“Many high-profile cases would undoubtedly come your way on appeal; they would even come wrapped up in tempting presents that are frequently meant to tarnish your integrity and reputation.
I warn Your Lordships to avoid such subtle temptations because they will hinder your ascent to respect and fame in life. Your reputation and integrity matter a great deal.
As a result, you should make an effort to constantly carry yourself with dignity by regularly reviewing your behaviour to avoid getting into trouble with the law.
I’ve stated it before, but in life, gifts and prosperity that are not earned and, therefore, unworthy, are inherently destructive and cataclysmic.
“I pray that as you rise to the top of your profession, Your Lordships don’t get caught in such a trap.
“You must, in the face of all opposition, carry out your obligations in accordance with the law and the oath that has just been administered to you.
“Since you voluntarily accepted a position that will purposefully put you perpetually in the eye of the storm, the level of public scrutiny of your behaviour will go up to an astronomical dimension.
“At this point, the tempo and rate of the public’s evaluation of your behaviour and demeanour has also suddenly increased to an unprecedented level.
“You must step up your efforts and have a meaningful conversation with your conscience if you don’t want to lose the favour of the All-Powerful God and the admiring Nigerians who look up to you.
The CJN stated, “It takes nothing to join the mob but it takes a lot to stand alone with a clear conscience.
