CJN warns new judges against corruption

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has called on newly appointed judges to shun corruption and do justice without fear or favour.

While speaking in Abuja at an induction course for the judges at the National Judicial institute, the CJN reminded them that diligence requires consistency in the high standard of justice delivery that are required to optimally perform to the best of their ability.

Mohammed, represented by Justice Walter Onnoghen, said impartiality is a fundamental quality of a judge for there to be respect for the judiciary.

He said: “Your appointment to the bench as Judicial Officers comes at a crucial time in the history of our beloved country, as we pivot our fortune in a serious war against corruption which has been a huge impediment to the nation’s growth.

“I urge you to avoid any type of corrupt practices so as to maintain your integrity as a judge.”

The administrator of the institute, Roseline Bozimo‎, in her welcome address told the new judges that their jobs as Judicial Officers demands that they must be courageous, fearless, candid, uncompromising and firm in upholding the Rule of Law as they strive to attain judicial excellence.

Bozimo said: “As an institution, the judiciary should not be ‎indebted to anyone but the Constitution.

“Judgements and decision of the courts must be apolitical and free from bias at all times and must be accepted, understood and perceived as such.

“Your role, as is aptly encapsulated in our Judicial Oath of Office, is to uphold the law and dispense justice to all persons alike without fear, favour or prejudice.”