Chief Justice Swears In 39 Judges To Handle 2023 Election Petitions

• Newly appointed judges of the election petition tribunal have taken their oath of service in Abuja.

• They are urged to uphold integrity, the rule of law, and impartiality while adjudicating on electoral disputes arising from the 2023 general election.

• The Chief Justice of Nigeria emphasizes the importance of their role in maintaining peace and justice, as their decisions will be recorded in the history of the Nigerian judiciary.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the recently appointed judges of the election petition tribunal took their oath of service in Abuja on Thursday. During the ceremony held at the Supreme Court, Justice Ariwoola expressed that these judges were deemed worthy and deserving of their roles as additional members of tribunals handling numerous petitions arising from the 2023 general election.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) advised the appointees to uphold the highest standards of integrity and abide by the sanctity of the rule of law in their judicial duties.

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He emphasized the crucial need for peace in the country during this significant phase. The CJN also cautioned them against allowing personal sentiments and public opinions to influence their judgments.

The CJN stated, “You have just taken an oath that not only requires you to uphold moral rectitude but also binds you to the path of destiny.

This national assignment will test the very essence of your conscience. Words cannot fully convey the magnitude of this task. However, it is imperative for you to realize that you are forging a relationship with history. Your actions or inactions today will be recorded in the annals of the Nigerian judiciary.”

“As judicial officers, you may have encountered challenging situations in the past, but you must rise above the murky waters of failure and disrepute.

The responsibility lies with you to uphold the banner of honesty and integrity that the judiciary has painstakingly upheld over the years. Your appointment to these tribunals is well thought out, and it is your duty to justify the confidence placed in you,” he added.

The CJN acknowledged that the judges would face various temptations and potential blackmail, all aimed at testing their character, honesty, and integrity. He advised them to remain steadfast in their commitment to the oath they had just taken, as it stands as an unwavering witness between them and their creator.

The CJN emphasized the need to embrace the sanctity of the rule of law and the supremacy of the Constitution in their judicial functions, highlighting that elections held under a fragile rule of law seldom lead to lasting democratic governance.

He encouraged the judges to strike a balance between justice and the rule of law as they embark on this critical national assignment. Justice delayed, he noted, results in denied peace, as justice is an essential element for true peace.

The CJN concluded by stating, “We need this in Nigeria now more than ever. The clarion call for justice must resound from the temple of justice, and thus we present you as champions of this noble cause.”

Furthermore, he emphasized that by virtue of the oath they had taken, the judges are empowered to adjudicate on electoral disputes and make decisions based on their convictions, which must be deeply rooted in the law rather than sentiments or public opinion.

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In his closing remarks, Justice Ariwoola prayed for the appointees to be bestowed with courage and wisdom by Almighty God, enabling them to fulfill their responsibilities without wavering or faltering. It is worth mentioning that the CJN had previously administered the oath to 307 judicial officers who would preside over petitions arising from the 2023 general election. With the addition of the 39 judges, the total number of tribunal members currently handling such petitions has risen to 346.

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