In a special court session marking the commencement of the new legal year, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, emphasized the importance of impartiality in judicial proceedings. Ariwoola expressed concern over recent attacks on the judiciary and urged judges to remain steadfast in upholding the law despite public sentiments.
The Chief Justice’s call for impartiality received support from the Nigerian Bar Association, which condemned the increasing assaults on the judiciary, particularly stemming from election-related matters.
Ariwoola asserted the competence of the Court of Appeal, encouraging the resolution of most cases at that level. He cautioned against the unnecessary escalation of disputes to the Supreme Court, emphasizing the need for alternative dispute resolution methods.
During the session, Ariwoola highlighted the significance of amending laws to limit appeals to the Court of Appeal, ensuring efficient and effective adjudication. He discouraged the importation of foreign laws into Nigerian cases and emphasized the need for transparent legal proceedings.
Addressing judicial officials, Ariwoola urged them not to be swayed by public opinions or emotions, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law above all else. He also called for statutory protection for judicial independence at both federal and state levels.
Providing a summary of the Supreme Court’s activities, Ariwoola disclosed that the court received 1,271 motions and appeals between September 2022 and July 2023, covering political, criminal, and civil cases. He highlighted the court’s delivery of 251 judgments during this period.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, echoed Ariwoola’s sentiments, calling for a reduction in the number of appeals reaching the Supreme Court. Fagbemi emphasized the need for judicial reforms and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Fagbemi also cautioned Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) against discussing pending cases in the media, stating that such actions are unprofessional.
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yakubu Maikyau, expressed concern over the recent attacks on the judiciary, attributing over 90% of them to election-related matters. Maikyau urged judges to ensure justice is not only served but seen to be served.
In response to Ariwoola’s statements, the Labour Party called for an internal audit within the judiciary to address erring judges and lawyers. The party spokesperson, Yunusa Tanko, stressed the need for checks and balances within the judiciary, free from executive intervention.
On the contrary, the APC dismissed the Labour Party’s concerns, accusing them of attempting to undermine the judiciary due to recent electoral losses. The APC argued that there are existing checks and balances within the judiciary, emphasizing the independence of each branch of government.