The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Monday charged newly appointed justices to make difficult decisions when necessary.
He also reminded them to stay the course of fairness and integrity.
Ariwoola gave the charge in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the induction course organised for newly appointed justices of the superior court of records.
Represented by a Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Jummai Hannatu Sankey, the CJN likened the judge’s position to that of a priest in the temple of justice, adding: “As new entrants into the judicial system, it requires that you have an understanding of the legal, ethical and natural qualities of the technician of the law.”
The theme for the 2024 induction course is: ‘Repositioning the Courts for Better Justice Delivery.’
The CJN tasked the justices to remain steadfast in the face of challenges that may arise by upholding and protecting the rule of law, their integrity and that of the judiciary.
“You will often face complex cases that will also come with ethical dilemmas or occasionally be presented with cases that require you to make difficult decisions, but always remember that justice is not a destination to be arrived at with fanfare and parades or accolades but a continuous pursuit to which you must not be afraid to stay the course on the side of fairness and integrity.”
In his welcome address , the administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi, described the induction course as key, adding that it was designed to enable the new judges understand the intricacies and techniques involved in adjudication and judicial proceedings.
“As newly appointed judges, expectations placed on you by litigant court users and the general public who are interested in justice, human rights and the maintenance of the rule of law are high,” he said.