President Bola Tinubu has called on the Nigerian judiciary to uphold its constitutional mandate and resist criticism from those who only see faults when judicial outcomes are unfavorable to them.
Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made this statement during the public presentation of the autobiography Judging With Justice by the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, in Abuja.
The President emphasized that judicial officers’ pensions are now secured, allowing retired justices to receive their final salaries as lifelong pensions. Tinubu urged the judiciary to maintain its integrity and remain unbiased despite external pressures.
The event, chaired by former Head of State Abdusalami Abubakar, took place at the International Conference Centre and was attended by several dignitaries, including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun (recommended to succeed Ariwoola as CJN), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, the Ooni of Ife, and other high-ranking justices and officials.
President Tinubu also acknowledged Justice Ariwoola’s distinguished service and leadership, praising his contributions to Nigerian jurisprudence and legal development during his tenure as CJN. Tinubu expressed his gratitude to Ariwoola and wished him well in his retirement.
Justice Ariwoola, who served in various capacities within the judiciary, including as a Justice of the Court of Appeal in Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos, was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2011 and became CJN in 2022. His successor is expected to be sworn in by President Tinubu on August 23, 2024, at the State House.