The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has sworn in 62 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), urging them to display integrity, discipline and impressive standard of advocacy as Ministers in the temple of justice.
Justice Ariwoola stated this during a special Session of the Supreme Court of Nigeria marking the commencement of the 2022/2023 new legal year in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital.
He said, “As Senior Advocates of Nigeria, you carry on your shoulders a lot of responsibilities. The privilege you are conferred with today does not make you extraordinary beings; you must still remain who you are, except the added status which is expected to serve as a key moderator of your attitude and behaviour.”
Also, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, assured the judiciary that better days are ahead for the third arm of government and the overall administration of justice in the country.
The Minister expressed optimism that the recent approval granted by President Muhammadu Buhari, on increase in the salaries and allowances of our judicial officers, will add impetus for the judiciary to operate maximally for the good of Nigerians.
Malami, therefore, called for collective efforts from the judiciary in order to attain the desired levels of good governance and development.
Speaking on behalf of new Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Professor Kathleen Ebelechukwu Okafor promised to do their best in the promotion and protection of the rule of law.
The Supreme Court in the 2021/2022 legal year, entertained 1,764 cases, comprising motions and appeals.
Out of these, 816 Civil, 370 Criminal and 16 Political matters, were heard
The court considered a total number of 562 Appeals, comprising of 341 Civil, 186 Criminal, and 35 Political.
154 Judgements were delivered in 2022.
The CJN, who warned judicial officers to work for the interest of the country and not selfish individuals, urged them to apply the law rightly on all matters that come before them.
“The times we are in are quite perilous. All hands must be on deck to make the best out of the unpleasant situation.
“Don’t allow anyone to use and dump you. Let your conscience be your guide and guard.” Justice Ariwoola added.
The CJN assured litigants across the various courts in Nigeria that their cases would be given due attention adding that, the courts will not rest until justice is served at the doorstep of everyone that seeks for and equally deserves it.
“We have hit the ground running and I can assure the entire nation that nothing will be left to chance and no ground will be left uncovered.”
Justice Ariwoola expressed the commitment of the judiciary to service Nigeria and Nigerians faithfully in the coming years with greater focus and fairness.
“We are more than ever before committed to serving you to the best of our ability in this new legal year. Even if it requires us stretching ourselves and available resources beyond limit, we will graciously oblige that.”
PIAK
