As the 2023 general elections draw near and politicians’ attitude towards rule of law and contempt of the judiciary worsens, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has warned Nigerian politicians to beware of the consequences.
He read the riot act to Attorneys-General at their conference held in Abuja on Tuesday.
The CJN told the gathering that the silence of the judiciary must not be mistaken for weakness or vulnerability.
He further warned politicians and others who are in the habit of disregarding the rule of law and contempt of the judiciary that it would no longer be business as usual on his watch.
Ariwoola, who was represented by a Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, noted with dismay how the rule of law has been assailed from all fronts, especially by those who ought to uphold and guard it.
He lamented that judicial officers and court facilities have been variously attacked, molested, harassed and desecrated across the country.
“I wish to let whoever cares to listen know that nobody, no matter his or her position in society, should mistake our golden silence for weakness or vulnerability.
“The judiciary under my watch will not sit by the sidelines to watch the temple of justice and ministers of justice being flagrantly chastised and whipped into silence.
“No one in this country is permitted under any guise to take the law into his or her hands simply because he or she has the guns to wield,” the CJN said.
He stressed further that the earlier judicial officers and the courts are respected, the better for all Nigerians. The CJN charged stakeholders in the justice sector to ensure that fairness, equity and the rule of law prevail at all times.
He then called on the attorneys general to begin to live up to their callings by repositioning the judiciary in their respective states through the manner they conduct their affairs.
“Oppression and suppression of perceived enemies must not have a bearing on your conduct.
“Judicial officers must not suffer intimidation and chastisement and chief justices must not go cap-in-hand to beg for funds to run their courts.”
He thereafter urged all participants in their various capacities to start taking a comprehensive approach to the effective and seamless administration of criminal justice and the implementation of the rule of law.
While making his remarks, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, reiterated the need for collaboration between state and federal governments in tackling the menace of corruption.