“You have just taken an oath that has not only imposed a morale undertaking on you, but has also looped you with destiny.
On Thursday, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, okayed the deployment of 39 more judges to the National Assembly, Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunals sitting across the federation.
The addition of the judges, who were sworn-in at the Supreme Court on Thursday, increased the total number of members of various tribunals that are currently hearing petitions that arose from the conduct of the 2023 general elections, to 346.
While administering the oath on the newly appointed 39 Election Petition Tribunal judges, the CJN, warned them not to allow sentiments and public opinion to sway their sense of judgement.
A Massive National Assignment
He noted that the country required peace “at this critical juncture” more than ever before.
“The judges were found worthy to be appointed as additional members of tribunals that have been saddled with an “avalanche of petitions” following the general elections on February 25 and March 18, respectively.
“Your participation in these tribunals at this critical juncture in Nigerian justice is not by chance, but by clear design of the Almighty God.
“This is a massive national assignment that will literally put your conscience to the test.
“I am convinced that this is not the first oath you have taken as Judicial Officers, and it will not be the last, especially as you advance up the career ladder.
“No amount of homily can convey the magnitude of this undertaking.
“However, suffice is to state that you are already interacting with history.
“Whatever action or inaction you demonstrate today will serve as your testament in the annals of Nigerian justice.
Flag Of Honesty And Integrity
“As judicial Officers, you may have traversed this somewhat dreaded terrain in one way or another, but you must, against all odds, rise above the murky waters of failure and infamy.
“It is up to you to keep the flag of honesty and integrity that the judiciary has painstakingly hoisted over the years flying.
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“Because your appointment to serve on these tribunals is well-conceived, you should do everything in your power to justify this trust.
“There is no doubt that you will be subjected to various forms of temptation and even blackmail, but you should be aware that they are all designed to test your character, honesty, and integrity.
“My candid advice is that you should always be mindful of this oath you have just taken because it now stands as an uncompromising witness between you and your creator in any circumstance.
Now, More Than Ever
“It is incumbent upon you to willingly submit to the sanctity of the rule of law and the supremacy of the Constitution in carrying out your judicial functions.
“It is widely accepted that elections undertaken when the rule of law is weak rarely result in long-term democratic governance.
“As you embark on this critical national assignment, you are enjoined to always strike a balance between justice and the rule of law.
“As you all know, delaying the rule of law means delaying long-term peace, because justice is a handmaiden of true peace.
“Nigeria needs this now more than ever.
“Because the trumpet must first sound from the temple of justice, we nominate you as champions of this great cause.
“By taking this oath, you are now empowered to adjudicate on electoral disputes and make decisions based on your convictions, which must be deeply rooted in law rather than sentiments or public opinion.
“I pray that the Almighty God grant you the courage and wisdom to carry out this responsibility without hesitation or failure,” the CJN said.
He previously swore in 307 judicial officers to preside over petitions from the 2023 general election.
However, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has the authority to establish election tribunals under sections 285(2) and (3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and section 130 of the Electoral Act, 2022, it is the responsibility of the CJN to swear them in.
While dissatisfied candidates have 21 days from the date the election results were published to file a petition, tribunals are required by law to consider and rule on such electoral disputes within 180 days.
