The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has advised judges of trial courts in the country to write flawless judgments and rulings that could hardly be set aside on appeal.
Ariwoola gave the advice yesterday in Abuja while declaring open the 39th annual judges’ conference of the Federal High Court.
He said,
“I implore you all to please continue to work very hard; work hard and harder, and go extra mile each time.
“Do not assume that: what then are the gentlemen at the appellate court doing? No. Let that (appellate) court affirm your decisions.
“Always write your judgments that the appellate court will have no choice than to affirm your decisions. Don’t leave any loophole.”
Also speaking on the importance of the court, Ariwoola said;
“The Federal High Court is the only court that has originating jurisdiction on electoral matters. You want to challenge any party under the Electoral Act, the law says you go to the FHC.”
The CJN urged judges to be committed to their responsibilities and avoid taking their appointments for granted.
“Anyone that is lucky to be appointed to this court (the FHC), without mincing words, is indeed very lucky and should not take that for granted,” he said.
Ariwoola stressed that being a judge is not a child’s play, particularly at the trial court level “where you don’t sit as a panel but you sit as a lone ranger”.
He added,
“You sit all alone; you are the lord of the court. Please, always go the extra mile, even in what you consider a simple application.
“It is your court. You are not there to impress anyone at all. If you need to take a break to consult your note, to consult your books before you rule; no application by counsel is simple.
“Make relevant consultations and come to give your ruling.”
The CJN urged judges to remain courageous and not to feel threatened, if lawyers opt to go on appeal, because the choice to appeal a decision is an entitlement.
He explained that the FHC is the largest court in Nigeria, saying the court’s jurisdiction has continued to expand over the years.
FHC’s Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, said it was a tradition of the court for judges to meet annually at the commencement of a new legal year to review the activities of the previous year and to plan for improved outing in the New Year.
He said,
“The object of this conference, therefore, is to critically discuss any issues confronting us as a court and seek remedies to them.
“We will also be addressed by practitioners in different fields of knowledge and learning, which will help us to continue to have a grip on our health and intellectual competence.”
Justice Tsoho assured that his court would continue to work on how to enhance justice dispensation in the country.
