The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad has urged the new appeal court Justices to avoid gifts that can make them compromise their judicial functions.
Justice Muhammad gave the charge while inaugurating the 18 appellate court justices recently promoted in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital.
According to him, high profile cases would come their way with some juicy offer hence, his urge to avoid temptation of accepting such gifts in their own interest.
“Let me point out unambiguously that in life, gifts and wealth that are not worked for which are by extension undeserving are always wrapped in calamity and destruction”
“Flee from them and keep your heads high above the murky waters of corruption so that you can be conveniently counted among the very best in the Nigeria judiciary”
The CJN further said that as judicial officers, they have a divine mandate on earth that they must discharge with honesty and sincerity because, that will give account of themselves to justify their elevation to the court of appeal.
According to Justice Tanko, the rate of public assessment of their conduct and disposition will now assume astronomical rise.
“If you are hitherto 50% under public scrutiny, I can assure you now that it has risen to 100% by virtue of this your elevation to the court of appeal” he said.
Justice Mohammed further said that the temple and rate of public assessment of their conduct and disposition will now assume astronomical rise.
” You must redouble your efforts and dialogue properly with your conscience in order not to fall out of the grace of God and the Nigerian people,” CJN instructed.
The ceremony was attended by 3 serving governors of Plateau, Yobe and Ondo States.
Nnenna.O
