Justice Walter Onnoghen, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, on Monday warned that the judiciary would not tolerate any act of nepotism, tribalism and favouritism among others from court administrators across the country.
Onnoghen said under his watch, such acts and other social vices would not be condoned in the judiciary, as appropriate punitive measures would be taken against anybody found wanting in the discharge of his duty.
The CJN spoke at a national workshop organised by the National Judicial Institute, Abuja for chief registrars, deputy chief registrars, directors and secretaries of judicial service commissions/committees.
He said: “Your actions are like a beacon of of light which other staff can aspire to follow and depend upon for guidance.
“Thus, any chief registrar, deputy chief registrar, director, and secretary judicial service commission/committee who is susceptible to bribery in any form, or who is prone to nepotism, favouritism, tribalism and other negative vices is unworthy of his/her office and has no place in the judiciary.”
It was against this backdrop that the CJN urged the judicial administrators to shun corruption of any form at their places of work by striving to ensure that the judiciary is not tainted by its effects.
Onnoghen stressed that any effort at judicial reform without the acquiescence, active participation and cooperation of judicial administrators in the judicial sector will be an exercise in futility.
He said: “As court administrators, it would not be out of place to state that you will all play an integral role in maintaining an efficient, impartial and transparent system of administration of justice.”
Onnoghen cautioned the participants that their actions and inactions can effect the speed and quality of the delivery of justice while endangering the confidence in the courts.
Theme of the workshop was: “The role of the administrators in promoting and sustaining effective performance in the judiciary.”
Onnoghen said the theme was apposite and well-timed taking into consideration the current climate in the judiciary and the country at large, especially the economic challenges and rampant social unrest occurring in different parts of the country.
More so, the CJN told the judicial administrators that their role “provides the fillip that ensures the overall success of any judicial system”.
He added: “The effective and efficient performance of your duties will enable the judiciary to run smoothly like a well-oiled machine.
“We must therefore exhibit a positive character and attitude worthy of emulation, and avoid conflicts of interest when dealing with your staff and the public.”
In her keynote address, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Rosaline P.I. Bozimo (retd), reminded the participants that as administrative officers, they are on the frontline of the judiciary, and therefore requires to actively participate in establishing, maintaining, enforcing as well as observing a high standard of conduct based on the twin pillars of integrity and independence.
Bozimo said: “You must protect the integrity of the judiciary and prevent any act that will ridicule or bring the judiciary to disrepute.
“You must be proactive, anticipating possible situations and implementing policies that will address potential challenges.
“Judiciary renders a very important service to the nation and citizenry through the dispensation of justice, therefore, your actions directly affect the quality of justice as well as the confidence reposed in the judiciary.”