The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, Monday, said unscrupulous, fraudulent and corrupt persons are occupying judicial positions in the country, decrying what he called their devastating influence.
The CJN spoke at the opening ceremony of an induction course for newly appointed judges and Kadis at the National Judicial Institute, NJI, in Abuja, adding that the Nigerian judiciary is now more prepared than ever to uproot bad elements within its fold.
According to Justice Mohammed, “the Nigerian judiciary is now more prepared and more poised than ever before to rid itself of all ugly dirts inflicted on her by unscrupulous, fraudulent and corrupt persons occupying judicial offices in Nigeria.
“The National Judicial Council and the respective states’ Judicial Service Commissions are adequately empowered to remove, with ignominy, any judicial officer or judicial staff that has chosen the path of dishonour to be corrupt and fraudulent.
“The Code of Conduct covers all aspects of the entire judicial officer’s life both in and out of court. It must be studied, digested and imbibed by all judicial officers in Nigeria.
“Every judicial officer must abide by the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Judicial Ethics as expounded in the Bangalore principles of Judicial Conduct.
“Any judicial officer that does not abide by the Code of Conduct is on his way out of the Nigerian Judiciary.”
Speaking further, the CJN tasked judges across the federation on prompt disposal of cases, stressing that it is a constitutional requirement.
He said: “A good judicial officer must dispose off matters before him promptly, efficiently and diligently. You must demonstrate due regard for the rights of the parties to have their cases heard and disposed off without unnecessary delay.
“You must devote adequate time for court duties, be punctual in attending court and expeditious in determining matters before you. The administration of justice is a serious business, with important obligations and responsibilities.
“Court cases involve tremendous stress for court users and therefore the courtroom is not a place for judicial officers to try their hands at being comedians”, he added.
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