CJN decries attacks on Judiciary, rule of law

• Published date: 10 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has expressed concern over the increasing rate at which the Judiciary and rule of law were being undermined in the country.

Justice Ariwoola said he would ensure that the Judiciary, under his watch, will no longer tolerate such disrespect to judicial institutions and officers.

He said: 'I must say, without equivocation, that the rule of law has been assailed from all fronts in this country, especially by those who are supposed to uphold and guard it jealously.

'It is no more news that our judicial officers, even court facilities, have been variously attacked, molested, harassed and desecrated across the country.

'I wish to let whoever cares to listen to 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 and watch the temple of justice and ministers of justice being flagrantly chastised and whipped into silence.

'Nigeria is governed by the Constitution, and the rule of law ought to superintend our demeanour.

'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 earlier judicial officers and the courts are respected the better for us,' the CJN said.

He spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at a conference of Attorneys-General in Nigeria, with the theme: 'Enhancing synergy between the federal and state governments in the administration of justice in Nigeria.'

The CJN, who was represented by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun (of the Supreme Court), tasked the Attorneys-General, both at state and federal levels to ensure the Judiciary was protected and respected.

He expressed concern about the challenges hampering the...