CJN Ariwoola lambasts judges over conflicting judgements

… Vows reforms before retirement

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has decried some questionable judgements delivered and how interlocutory orders are used.

Ariwoola also faulted the work ethics of some judicial officers, vowing to leave behind a robust and prosperous judiciary before his retirement in August of this year.

The CJN made this known as he delivered his keynote address on Monday at the Court of Appeal, Two-Day Workshop for the Review of the 2023 Election Petition Tribunals/Court and Appeals, held in Abuja.

The CJN said some judicial officers’ actions tend to mock the country’s judicial system, and those found guilty of this will not be left unpunished.

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He said, “We have been treated to an unpalatable cocktail of misleading and conflicting judgments as well as frivolous interlocutory orders emanating from courts of coordinate jurisdiction which attempts to make a mockery of our judicial system.

“This is largely an embarrassment to our jurisprudence, and we will not take it lying low. Punitive measures must be taken against such erring judges.”

The CJN noted that as he prepares for his retirement which is due in August, it is his desire to bequeath a robust and prosperous Judiciary that will be the pride of not only Nigerians but the African continent.

He warned judicial officers against conducts considered unbecoming of judicial officers.
He threatened that anyone who conducts themselves in this manner will not only be shown the way out but will equally be made to face the consequences.

The president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, emphasised that the exercise is important and that the job of the 2023 election tribunals judges was a challenging task.