Percy Onyeka
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, yesterday administered oath on the newly appointed 11 Justices of the Supreme Court, even as he implored them to remain upright and impartial at all times.
According to the CJN, the new jurists, having been elevated to the apex court bench, should begin to see themselves as representatives of God on earth as their judgement can only be upturned in heaven.
Ariwoola, who warned them to brace up to receive verbal assaults from dissatisfied litigants, said: “You must not, therefore, allow your personal ambition or any extraneous considerations to becloud your sense of judgement.
“Your interactions with people of unenviable inclinations and pedigree, if any, must be halted forthwith. Let your conscience guide and filter every thought that traverses your mind from this moment.
“I have no doubt that you may have, at one time or the other, been confronted with some forms of criticisms or verbal assaults by litigants who have lost their cases.
“I want to assure you that more of such will come your way, especially as you now assume duties in the final court of the land where Appellants’ expectations are often very high and infectious.
“There is no way you can please human beings, especially litigants. That is what it is! I am, however, making it abundantly clear to your Lordships that the easiest way to fail in life is by trying to please everyone.”
Agency Report
