Abdulsalami Abubakar urges Nigerian judges to uphold justice, lauds Justice Ariwoola

Former Nigerian military head of state, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has implored the nation’s judges to uphold justice in their rulings. He made this appeal at the public launch of retired Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola’s autobiography.

With Justice Ariwoola’s retirement on Thursday, having reached the mandatory age of 70, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is set to assume the role of Chief Justice on Friday.

As the chairman of the event, Abubakar emphasized the importance of impartiality, urging judges to deliver justice without bias towards language, religion, or political affiliation.

Mr Abubakar said, “One significant thing I have learnt by reason of my association with the profession is that most Justices, who have written their names in gold are concerned not only with delivering judgments. But, rather, their primary focus on the Bench is justice.

“I was therefore not surprised when I was informed that the title of Justice Ariwoola’s autobiography is ‘Judging With Justice’. I want to believe that this title should be the creed of every judicial officer. It is the question that every judge should ask himself at the conclusion of every case: ‘Have I judged with justice in this case?’

“It is, however, not a question for judges alone. It is a question that should be the guiding principle for all of us, whatever our professional calling is. As leaders and citizens, judging with justice should be our watchword. When we judge with justice, we prioritise patriotism, we promote the rule of law, we disavow corrupt practices, and we shun illegality.”

He added, “I am convinced that if we all subscribe to the ideal of judging with justice, our country will be the better for it.”

Earlier, President Bola Tinubu had said at the event that the judiciary should not be discouraged by the antics of those who only believe the justice system works when judgments are given in their favour.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented Mr Tinubu.

“I urge the Nigerian judiciary to live up to its constitutional mandate and ignore those who never see anything good in the judiciary unless the pendulum of justice swings in their favour,” he said.