Election petitions: we will never be dominated by the mob

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has reiterated the determination of the judiciary not to be dominated by the sentiments of the “mob” in its decisions.

Many Nigerians attacked the judiciary following decisions on electoral issues that dismissed some governors and legislators. They accused the judiciary of being biased.

However, speaking at the opening of the special session of the 2023/2024 legal year and the swearing-in of 58 newly conferred Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), Ariwoola urged the judges to remain firm.

“I expect every judicial officer to work very hard and also be very honest and courteous to litigants, witnesses and members of the bar, and perform all his judicial duties with all humility at his command.

Even in doing so, it is still necessary to keep in mind that public opinions, feelings or emotions can never take the place of the law in deciding the cases before it.

The law remains the law, no matter whose interest is involved. In everything we do, as interpreters of the law, we must strive to separate the chains of emotion from logic and assumption from fact. We should never be oppressed by the actions or voices of the crowd and now begin to confuse the law with sentiment or anything else in deciding our cases.

However, unnecessary and unjustified statements will certainly embarrass not only others, but also the Judge himself; therefore, what should be asked, should be asked, and what should not be asked, should be avoided.”

Source: www.lindaikejisblog.com