By Cross Udo and Kenny Folowosele, Abuja
Yesterday, the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, called for measures to reduce the burden on the Supreme Court.
Ariwoola, who retired yesterday at 70, explained that too many cases before the apex court should have been terminated at the appellate court.
He stated this at a valedictory session in his honour at the Supreme Court in Abuja.
He said access to justice has contributed largely to the delay in hearing cases, as litigants and lawyers are forced to wait several years for their cases to be decided.
Ariwoola explained that the right to a fair hearing can only be guaranteed when lawyers and litigants can hear their cases immediately.
He also stressed the need for the bench to have more judicial officers adjudicating all matters timeously.
Vice President Kashim Shettima was among the dignitaries who attended the public presentation of a book titled, ‘Judging with Justice,’ written in Ariwoola’s honor.
The event was held at the International Conference Centre Abuja, a few hours after Justice Ariwoola’s official retirement.
Guests at the occasion include the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who was recommended to President Bola Tinubu by the National Judicial Council to take over from Justice Ariwoola, and Justices of the Supreme and Appeal Courts.
The former President, Muhammadu Buhari, appointed Ariwoola as acting CJN in June 2022 following Justice Tanko Muhammad’s resignation on health grounds. Ariwoola was subsequently sworn in October of the same year following his confirmation by the Senate.
Ariwoola was appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2011. He was a Justice of the Court of Appeal between 2005 and 2011 after being elevated from the State High Court of Oyo State.
He studied law at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile Ife, and graduated with a bachelor of law degree with honors in July 1980. In July 1981, Ariwoola was called to the Bar and enrolled at the Supreme Court of Nigeria as a Solicitor.
*Kekere-Ekun steps in today as new Chief Justice of Nigeria
Meanwhile, President Tinubu will swear in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun today as the new CJN.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed this in a statement yesterday.
He said the swearing-in ceremony will occur at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Justice Kekere-Ekun will succeed Justice Ariwoola.
The President also congratulated Ariwoola, describing his stint in the judiciary as a “successful public service career ” and commending him for his services to the nation.
“President Bola Tinubu congratulates Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, as he retires as Chief Justice of Nigeria after a successful public service career,” the statement read.
“President Tinubu will swear in Justice Ariwoola’s successor at the State House Council Chambers on August 23, 2024.
“President Tinubu commends the eminent jurist for his services to the nation, noting his impactful leadership of the judiciary and his efforts in enriching Nigerian jurisprudence, as well as in strengthening the fibre of the law.”
*We’ll not tolerate subversion of democratically elected government under any guise- FG
The Federal Government yesterday warned that it would not tolerate subversion of the democratically elected government under whatever guise.
Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), gave the warning while delivering a speech at the valedictory court session in honour of the former CJN, Ariwoola.
Fagbemi affirmed that the government would promote and uphold the fundamental rights of all citizens but insisted that any infraction or breach of the same rights by any person or organisation under any guise except as stipulated by the Constitution would not be tolerated.
The AGF pointed out that the present administration has a clear mandate from the people and can only be changed at the end of its tenure, as prescribed by the Constitution.
According to Fagbemi, any other mode or attempt to change a democratically elected government except as provided by the Constitution is a clear case of treason and subversion of democratic governance.
“The laws of the land have made copious provisions on dealing with treasonable acts, stressing that the full wrath of the law will catch up with such treasonable felony.
“The FG is irrevocably committed to massively changing the course of narratives within the country’s justice sector,” he said.
The Justice Minister added that the present administration’s massive turnaround will give the justice sector the pride it deserves.
He noted further that the FG will eradicate all forms of obstacles to the modernization, effectiveness, and efficiency of the justice sector.
He added that with the recent 300 percent salary increase for judicial officers, the government’s efforts would enhance and promote the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.
Fagbemi thanked the Supreme Court for rescuing Local Governments in Nigeria from the claws of governors.
The AGF called on the Attorneys General of States in the country to advise their various governors to obey the Supreme Court’s judgment on the financial autonomy of Local Government Areas in Nigeria.
