The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has expressed concern over conflicting court orders from judges in the country.
According to him, the National Judicial Council (NJC) is taking action to address the issue so as to ensure that errant judges face consequences for their actions.
He spoke on Wednesday during the inauguration of 22 judges into the Court of Appeal Bench.
Ariwoola described the situation as an “unpalatable cocktail of misleading and conflicting judgments” that undermine the judicial system.
He said: “I have made it known at different fora that we have been treated to an unpalatable cocktail of misleading and conflicting judgments as well as frivolous interlocutory orders emanating from courts of coordinate jurisdictions, which have literally attempted to make a mockery of our judicial system and flagrantly desecrate the revered Temple of Justice.
“Several cases of such abound across the length and breadth of the country. This is, largely, an embarrassment to our jurisprudence, and we will never handle it with levity.
“Punitive measures must definitely be meted out to such erring Judges. We have already activated the process of reining-in such errant Judges with a view to making them face the consequence of their despicable and odious conduct.
“As Judicial Officers, we have to continually remind ourselves the fact that we are not occupying our respective positions to serve ourselves, but the Nigerian masses; and the best way we can serve them is by doing what will make them feel safe in our hands and also trust us to always deliver the right judgments that will not be tainted by sentiments, emotions or other clandestine considerations.”
The CJN also inaugurated 12 new judges for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.
He used the opportunity to urge them to abide by their oath of office. He noted the large number of judicial officers being inaugurated, citing an increase in litigation due to crimes and political matters.
