Law, Not Public Sentiments, Should Prevail in Decisions, CJN Ariwoola Tells Judges

In a stern address during the opening of the special session of the 2023/2024 legal year, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kayode Ariwoola, cautioned judicial officers against succumbing to public opinions, sentiments, or emotions when deciding cases. This statement comes in response to recent criticisms of Court of Appeal rulings on governorship and National Assembly election petitions, sparking protests and calls for investigations into alleged judicial corruption.

Ariwoola, addressing 58 newly conferred Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), emphasized the need for judges to uphold the law without being swayed by external pressures. He stated, “The law remains the law, no matter whose interest is involved,” urging judicial officers to separate emotion from logic and assumption from fact in their decisions.

Expressing concern over unnecessary utterances that could lead to embarrassment, the Chief Justice urged judges to stay focused on the legal merits of each case. He warned against being influenced by the actions or loud voices of the public, emphasizing the importance of avoiding confusion between the law and sentiment.

Despite the recent challenges faced by the judiciary, Ariwoola reiterated his commitment to safeguarding the rule of law and maintaining the independence of the judiciary. He assured that efforts were underway to ensure the Supreme Court would soon have its full complement of 21 justices, addressing a constitutional requirement that had previously posed a challenge.

Additionally, Chief Justice Ariwoola highlighted the success of the Corruption and Financial Crime Cases Trial Monitoring Committee (COTRIMCO), inaugurated in 2018. He revealed that, in the 2022/2023 period, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) secured 10 convictions, while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) achieved an impressive 1,094 convictions in cases related to corruption and financial crimes.

As the judiciary faces scrutiny and public outcry, Chief Justice Ariwoola remains steadfast in his commitment to upholding the principles of justice and ensuring the public’s trust in the legal system.