The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has said integrity of the judiciary is crucial to an efficient justice system.
Justice Ariwoola spoke in Abuja on Monday while delivering a keynote address at the opening of the induction course with the theme, “strengthening judicial integrity in the lower courts,’’ for the newly appointed judges of the area/sharia/customary courts.
The event was organised by the National Judicial Institute.
The CJN stated that judicial integrity was crucial in establishing not only an efficient justice system but to promote judicial independence and quality justice delivery.
“My lords, integrity is central to effective justice administration as a key prerequisite for establishing an effective and functional justice system for the peaceful resolution of legal disputes. As judges of the lower courts, you must be bound by principles of honesty and respect for constituted authority.
“My lords, the majority of cases decided in your courts are essentially civil in nature and personal, which includes succession, child custody, administration of estates, and marital disputes.
“These cases form the foundation of every society, and it is vital to carry out your duties judiciously in maintaining the family structure which every society relies on,” he said.
Ariwoola charged them to remain committed and diligent in the discharge of their responsibilities.
In his welcome address, the administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Salisu Abdulahi, tasked the inductees on the need to strengthen their approach towards adjudicating the law and effectively addressing challenges in the course of their duties.
He also said that the workshop was instrumental in equipping newly appointed judges with the skills and knowledge necessary for achieving judicial excellence.
