Chijioke Ojebe
@ojebechijioke857724
1 year ago

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Constitution, not public opinion shapes court’s decisions, says CJN Ariwoola
Olukayode-Ariwoola
Eric Ikhilae, Abuja October 4, 2023
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has said public opinion, no matter how forceful, lacks the capacity to shape the decision of a court in relation to any case.
The CJN stated that the court is always guided by the law, particularly the Constitution, in its adjudication of cases.

He said: “Several vitriolic attacks are regularly heaped on the Judiciary; it is, however, crystal clear that public opinion, no matter how serious or weighty it might be, cannot override or supersede the Constitution of the country, which we apply in deciding each case.”

Justice Ariwoola spoke in Abuja on Wednesday, October 4, while administering the oath of office on 23 new judges of the Federal High Court.

The CJN reminded the new judges that their appointment, though a new chapter in their existence, will now completely expose them, like everyone in public office, to daily public scrutiny.

He urged them to be committed to their oath of office and always be driven by the spirit of fairness and justice.

The CJN stated: “The entire letters and words of the oath you have just taken, must reside in a prime place of your heart and be generously applied in your adjudications.

“This is a bond that you should engrave in your heart and be well guided by it while adjudicating in all matters that come before you.