Percy Onyeka
The Chief Justices of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola on Wednesday lamented over the unabated rise in cases at the various courts in the country and asked litigants to seek alternative dispute resolution mechanism.
He said that Nigeria is obviously the most litigious countries in the world and called on members of the Bench to live up to their calling which he termed a Divine Mandate by discharging their duties with honesty and sincerity.
Justice Ariwoola made the call at the Supreme Court while inaugurating the nine newly appointed Justices of the Court of Appeal.
The CJN said that Nigerians should begin to imbibe the culture of less litigation and more of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms so that courts can be freed of unnecessary burden and depletion of both human and material resources.
He said, “Political cases, especially, are taking a monumental toll on our dockets. Indeed, the times we are in are not pleasant, to say the least.
“No court in the land is spared of this. We are constantly on our toes and the dockets are ever rising in response to the challenges of the time.
“This underscores the undisputed fact that Nigeria continuously ranks among the most litigious countries in the world.
“I strongly believe it is high time we began to imbibe the culture of less litigation and more of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms so that our courts can be freed of unnecessary burden and depletion of both human and material resources.
“However, the onus squarely rests on your Lordships to fasten your belt and roll up your sleeves to face the challenges head-on.
“You must redouble your pace to catch up with the expectations of the litigants. As judicial officers, you have a divine mandate on earth that you must discharge with unveiled honesty and sincerity.
“You must give good account of yourselves to justify your elevation to the Court of Appeal so that you can subsequently earn an elevation to the Supreme Court to further actualize your dreams.
The CJN cautioned the newly appointed Appeal Court Justices to avoid running afoul of the law by running away from all forms of corruption and temptations.
He reminded them that the oath administered on them to assume office as Justices of the Court of Appeal is a solemn pledge and commitment to good conduct in the course of their adjudication, especially as senior judicial officers in the appellate court.
“We are not here for long speeches but simply to realign your minds with what is expected of you at this very high and enviable level of adjudication.
“Many high-profile cases would definitely come to you on appeal; and they may likely come in some juicy and irresistible gifts that are often intended to dent your reputation and integrity.
“I admonish Your Lordships to flee from such disguised temptations because your reputation and integrity matter much and count enormously in your rise to honour and fame in life.
“So, you should endeavour to always hold your heads high by auditing your conduct on a regular basis in order not to fall on the wrong side of the law.”
The elevated justices are Hannatu Azumi Laja-Balogun, Kaduna State; Binta Fatima Zubairu, Kaduna State; Peter Chudi Obiora, Anambra State; Okon Efreti Abang, Akwa Ibom State; and Asma’u Musa Mainoma, Federal Capital Territory.
Other include: Lateef Adebayo Ganiyu, Oyo State, Jane Esienanwan Iyang, Cross River State; Hadiza Rabiu Shagari, Sokoto State; and Paul Ahmed Bassi, Borno State.
Techrectory with Agency Report.
