Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola has appealed to politicians to allow the judiciary to function without pressure.
Ariwoola , however, assured Nigerians that the judiciary would, during his tenure, witness reforms, including a stage where lawyers would address the courts via Zoom.
He spoke after he was inaugurated as substantive CJN by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja yesterday.
The ceremony, which took place before the commencement of this week’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, was witnessed by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo).
Fielding questions from reporters on how the Judiciary would cope with the deluge of cases that usually accompany every electoral season, Ariwola, replied: “Politicians should allow the judiciary to function”
“Law is not static and that’s why you have seen that the National Assembly continued to amend the laws and it is the laws that the courts apply to the facts available. We shall continue to do justice if only Nigerians will allow us to perform and function without any pressure,” he added.
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Ariwoola added that under his watch, he would see through, the ongoing electronic upgrade of the courts.
His words: “We are computerising the Supreme Court already, and all other courts of records, so that the delay in filing cases will become a thing of the past.
We’re creating e-filing, we are creating e-diary so that lawyers can stay in the comfort of their chambers and contact the court and address the court via zoom.
“Computerisation is already taking place in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, and other courts of record in Nigeria. “
The CJN also assured that Nigerians would not be let down as progress and advancements would be made to serve them.
“As I said on the 27th of June when I was sworn-in in an acting capacity, I shall not let Nigerians down because with the support of my brother justices, we shall not fail Nigerians. We shall make progress and advance the judiciary to benefit, not only the common man but all men and women.”
Makinde thanked Buhari for seeing the process through, noting that the people of Oyo State consider Ariwoola’s elevation as a unique opportunity.
He said: “We are really happy. One of our own is now the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the good people of Oyo State are thankful to Mr. President for seeing the process through; from Justice Ariwoola being appointed as the acting CJN, his confirmation at the Senate, and now his being sworn-in as the substantive Chief Justice>”.
“It’s been quite a while since this type of opportunity knocked on our door, so we counted ourselves quite lucky and we look forward to supporting him to contribute to the development of the judiciary in Nigeria.”