President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday advised the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Dahiru Musdapher, to treat with the caution, the crisis of confidence that had recently rocked the foundation of the country’s judiciary.
Jonathan stated this while swearing- in Musdapher as the CJN at the presidential villa, based on his confirmation by the Senate last week.
In the past few months, the face -off between the former CJN, Justice Aloysius Katsina -Alu and the suspended President, Court of Appeal (PCA) Justice Isa Salami, had pitched the National Judicial Council (NJC) against the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other stakeholders.
Apparently referring to the impasse, Jonathan said, “However, a much bigger challenge is to be traced to Your Lordship’s reference at a recent public occasion to the widespread perception of a growing crisis of integrity within the judiciary. This is something that should be carefully addressed.
“The wheel of justice, for example, still grinds rather slowly although many laudable efforts have been made to correct this. There are questions also about the quality and efficiency of the administration of justice with regard to procedures”.
“This year, I had signed the Evidence Act and the Legal Aid (Amendment) Act as an indication of our preparedness to support all efforts to enhance the dispensation of justice. We are prepared to continue to collaborate with the judiciary and the legislature to do everything possible to upgrade the performance of the judiciary as an institution.
“Today marks another special moment in the history of the Nigerian judiciary as we have just witnessed the swearing-in of Justice Musdapher as the 12th CJN.
“Justice Musdapher has a very rich and impressive legal background which eminently qualifies him for this appointment. The hallowed office of the CJN carries with it onerous obligations.
It requires the occupant of such an office to possess certain qualities: hardwork, perseverance, ingenuity, a robust intellect and integrity. Your Lordship, it is the expectation of the general public that as you assume office, the judiciary will remain totally committed to the cause of justice.
“It is equally expected that your Lordship will at all times, particularly in the course of your service as the head of our nation’s judiciary protect and uphold the rule of law, respect and observe due process, exhibit great character and learning in the discharge of this sacred responsibility which God has placed on your shoulders. And more importantly, inspire the confidence of the general public in the administration of justice”.
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