Olukayode Ariwoola, chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), says the
judiciary would not replace the law with sentiments and emotions of the public.
Ariwoola spoke on Monday at a special session to mark a new
legal year and swearing-in ceremony of new senior advocates of Nigeria (SAN).
Admonishing justices, the CJN said: “The law remains the
law, no matter whose interest is involved”.
“In all we do, as interpreters of the law, we should
endeavour to sever the strings of emotion from logic and assumption from fact,”
Ariwoola said.
“We should never be
overwhelmed by the actions or loud voices of the mob or crowd and now begin to
confuse law with sentiment or something else in deciding our cases.
“Nevertheless, unnecessary and unwarranted utterances are
bound to embarrass not only others, but the judge himself; thus what should be
asked, should be asked, and what should not be asked, should be avoided.”
He also asked justices to be above board and to be bold
during adjudication.
“I admonish our
judges to, as usual, receive what is tendered in court and eschew what is
against the law and facts after thorough analysis and assimilation both in and
out of court, which exercise is, of course, part of judgeship,” he said.
“The Caesar’s wife must be above board! Your image and
reputation both inside and outside the court must be pristine and crystal clear
to all and sundry.
“Like I said earlier, be bold in all your judgments by
deciding cases without fear or favour, because fear and favour come in many
hues and colours.”
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