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The Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad has cautioned Judges in the country granting frivolous ex-parte orders to politicians in Nigeria.
The CJN gave the warning at a closed door meeting held with Seven Chief Judges at the National Judicial Council, NJC, in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital.
This is sequel to the issuance of conflicting exparte orders by some Judges in their territory, saying that such act will not be condoned from any Judge henceforth.
According to a statement issued by the Director, Information of the NJC, Mr. Soji Oye, the Chief Justice of Nigeria was said to be miffed by the action of the Judges and stated that a damage to one jurisdiction is a damage to all.
“We must therefore put an end to indiscriminate granting of exparte orders, conflicting judgments or rulings occasioned by forum-shopping.
“Your job as Heads of Court is a sacred one, and it therefore includes you vicariously taking the sins of others” the statement read in part.
Justice Mohammed urged the Heads of Court to handle political cases personally.
“There must be an end to this nonsense. You shall henceforth take absolute charge in assigning cases or matters, especially political personally.
“We shall make example with these three Judges and never shall we condone such act,” he stated.
The statement also said that three of the Judges who granted conflicting exparte orders have been invited to appear before the National Judicial Council to show the cause why disciplinary actions should not be taken against them for granting the conflicting exparte orders.
He revealed that all Heads of Courts w be invited to a Meeting to re-emphasize the need for the Judiciary to be circumspect on the issue of granting exparte orders and will also meet with the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Leadership on the issue.
The CJN advised all Heads of Court to be current on the development in the polity and the Judgments delivered by Courts of various jurisdictions and to urgently issue practice direction to guide Judges in their various courts to avoid giving conflicting decisions.
He concluded that the Judiciary will no longer condone indiscipline or allow any Judge to tarnish the image of the Judiciary.
Those interrogated by the CJN are; Chief Judge, FCT, Abuja. Chief Judge, Rivers State, Chief Judge, Kebbi State, Chief Judge, Cross River State, Chief Judge, Jigawa State, Chief Judge, Anambra State and Chief Judge, Imo State.
Lateefah Ibrahim
