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NJC’s Decision Is To Preserve Judiciary’s Independence – CJN

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has‎ again reaffirmed the position of the National Judicial Council on the fight against corruption. He insisted … Continue reading NJC’s Decision Is To Preserve Judiciary’s Independence – CJN


CJN, Recession, Nigeria, Mahmud Mohammed, judiciary

CJN, Recession, Nigeria, Mahmud Mohammed, judiciaryThe Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has‎ again reaffirmed the position of the National Judicial Council on the fight against corruption.

He insisted that any judicial officer that is standing trial for alleged charges of corruption will cease to perform judicial functions until such an officer establishes his or her innocence.

Justice Mohammed disclosed this in Abuja during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed justices of the Supreme Court, Justice Amina Augie and Justice Ejembi Eko.

The CJN said that it is expedient for judicial officers standing trial to be given ample time to clear their name.

The Chief Justice, while urging the newly appointed justices to be firm and honest in the discharge of their judicial functions, said that they were coming in at a time the judiciary is facing lots of challenges.

However, he expressed optimism that they would adhere strictly to their oath of allegiance to dispense justice without fear or favour.

“A common trend that runs through all judiciaries is that judicial officers are traditionally accorded the highest dignity and respect by all.

“This is because justice is rooted in confidence and where confidence in our judges is undermined and independence eroded, it is the nation that ultimately suffers most while true democracy is fatally undermined.

“Certainly, the decision of the National Judicial Council at its last meeting reflects our desire to preserve this independence. Hence, we proclaimed to the world that any judicial officer that is standing trial will cease to perform judicial functions.

“The council took this stand following communications it received from the AGF and Minister of Justice that he was embarking on the prosecution of the affected judicial officers for the offences disclosed against them from the evidence on the ground,” he said.