The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has sworn-in 11 new Justices of the Supreme Court fulfilling the statutory requirement of the apex court and extending the total number of the sitting Justices to Twenty-one.
Justice Ariwoola addressed the recently sworn-in Supreme Court justices during the ceremony, advicing them to uphold the rule of law and remain impartial in their rulings.
“The CJN said; “As new Justices of this Honourable Court, Your Lordships should note that you are coming on board at the time when our rank had been grossly depleted to an all-time low of 10 Justices for a number of reasons; mainly retirements and deaths. We heartily welcome Your Lordships to our fold and wish you an eventful and pleasurable sojourn in the Apex Court of our dear country.
“Your Lordships are all seasoned judicial officers transiting from the Court of Appeal; and have, accordingly, established some remarkable acquaintances with judicial oath and rules guiding the conduct of judicial officers, especially at the appellate level. Your moral uprightness, integrity and respect for the Constitution and other extant laws in operation, must be unwavering and unassailable.”
Justice Ariwoola reiterated how critical it is that the incoming justices of the Supreme Court avoid any personal prejudices or outside influences that can cloud their judgment. He emphasized the need to break off relationships with those who lack moral character and integrity and the need of morality in directing their future decisions.
He gave the justices assurances that they would have greater flexibility and greater goals in their new positions on the Supreme Court of the nation. Recognizing that it is impossible to please everyone, particularly when it comes to legal matters, he emphasized the risk of trying to appease everyone.
Assuring the justices that following the Constitution and heavenly principles will lead to both professional honesty and personal fulfillment, Justice Ariwoola gave them advice to put these two important values first.
The newly appointed justices and their respective zones are:
- Haruna Tsammani (North East)
- Moore Adumein (South-South)
- Jummai Sankey (North Central)
- Chidiebere Uwa (South East)
- Chioma Nwosu-Iheme (South East)
- Obande Ogbuinya (South East)
- Stephen Adah (North Central)
- Habeeb Abiru (South-West)
- Jamilu Tukur (North West)
- Abubakar Umar (North West)
- Mohammed Idris (North-Central).
The CJN further called on the newly sworn-in justices to follow their duties with strict adherence to maintaining the integrity of the judiciary as their foremost objective.
