After an illustrious career spanning from 1999 to 2022, Justice Sherifat Solebo bid farewell to the Lagos State judiciary on November 25, 2022. Having served as both a magistrate and a high court judge, Justice Solebo shared her insights and experiences with NAOMI CHIMA, shedding light on the challenges within the justice system and advocating for crucial reforms.
When asked if becoming a judge was a childhood dream, Justice Solebo revealed that it wasn’t. However, a chance meeting with a coursemate led her to join the Lagos State Judiciary, where she ascended through the ranks to the High Court bench. Reflecting on her early aspirations, she acknowledged fate’s role, mentioning her initial wish to be a successful trader.
Justice Solebo dispelled the notion that her judicial roles strained relationships with family and friends, emphasizing the support she received from her close circle. Despite the demanding nature of the job, she highlighted the existence of recreation centers in Lagos State, providing judges with spaces for leisure and relaxation.
The conversation shifted to the contentious issue of judges’ salaries. Justice Solebo attributed the salary structure to decisions made by the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission, revealing that the last salary revision occurred in 2007. She expressed concern over the significant pay disparity between judges and certain civil servants, noting the global comparison where Nigerian judges are among the least paid.
Responding to criticisms about the technical nature of Nigerian court judgments, Justice Solebo clarified that adherence to court rules, the Evidence Act, and precedents often shapes the decisions. She urged the public to scrutinize judgments thoroughly, emphasizing the importance of legal procedure and meticulousness from counsels.
On the issue of public trust in the judiciary, Justice Solebo stressed the paramount importance of the integrity of judges and support staff. She called for public education to foster objectivity and rationality in perceptions of judicial outcomes.
Regarding the suggestion that judges should not determine winners in elections, Justice Solebo maintained that decisions must align with existing laws and precedents until legislative amendments occur.
Commenting on the recent controversies surrounding the Certified True Copy of the Court of Appeal’s judgment on the Kano State governorship election, Justice Solebo asserted that courts can correct typographical errors within a certain timeframe.
When asked about the ideal path for appointing judges to the Supreme Court, Justice Solebo advocated for judicial expertise, emphasizing the need for experience in the field.
