CJN, Ariwoola swears in 11 new Supreme Court Justices

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has administered the oath of office to 11 new Justices joining the bench of the Supreme Court.

He cautioned them not to let personal ambitions cloud their judgment and emphasized the importance of maintaining a clear conscience.

The newly sworn-in Justices include Jummai Hannatu Sankey, Chidiebere Nwaoma Uwa, Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme, Haruna Simon Tsammani, and Moore Aseimo A. Adumein. Other appointees are Justices Obande Festus Ogbuinya, Stephen Jonah Adah, Habeeb Adewale O. Abiru, Jamilu Yammama Tukur, Abubakar Sadiq Umar, and Mohammed Baba Idris.

Justice Ariwoola highlighted the need for the new Justices to cease any interaction with individuals of questionable character and pedigree. He stressed the importance of allowing their conscience to guide their thoughts. Additionally, he prepared them for potential criticism and verbal assaults, reminding them that it is impossible to please everyone.

The CJN acknowledged that their elevation to the Supreme Court Bench was a recognition of their astuteness and demonstrated passion for hard work, characteristics synonymous with judicial excellence. He mentioned that the appointment marked an unprecedented event in the history of the Nigerian Supreme Court.

Justice Ariwoola explained the urgency in addressing the depleted ranks of the Supreme Court, which had fallen to a historic low of ten Justices due to retirements and deaths. He urged the new Justices, transitioning from the Court of Appeal, to uphold moral uprightness, integrity, and respect for the constitution and other applicable laws.

Concluding his address, the CJN emphasized the significance of their role, describing them as representatives of God on earth, as judgments at their level could only be overturned in heaven if necessary conditions were met.