CJN kicks against nepotism, tribalism, favouritism in judiciary

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, has warned that the judiciary would not tolerate any act of nepotism, tribalism, favouritism etc from court administrators across the country.

Justice Onnoghen said that “court administrator who are susceptible to bribery in any form or other negative vices is unworthy of his or her office” and must be shown the way out.

The CJN stated this on Monday at a national workshop organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) Abuja, for chief registrars, deputy chief registrars, directors, and secretaries judicial service commission/committee

Justice Onnoghen who had vowed to reform the judiciary noted that any effort at reform without the assent, active participation and cooperation of Judicial Administrators in the sector will be an exercise in futility.

“Your actions are like a beacon of of light which other staff can aspire to follow and depend upon for guidance, he said.

“Thus, any chief registrar, deputy chief registrar, director, and secretary judicial service commission/committee who is susceptible to bribery in any form, or who is prone to nepotism, favouritism, tribalism and other negative vices is unworthy of his/her office and has no place in the judiciary” Onnoghen warned.

“As court administrators, it would not be out of place to state that you will all play an integral role in maintaining an efficient, impartial and transparent system of administration of justice.”

He urged court administrators to shun corruption of any form at their places of work by striving to ensure that the judiciary is not tainted by its effects.

He also maintained that their actions and inactions can affect the speed and quality of the delivery of justice as well as endangered the public confidence in the courts.

Stating the theme of the workshop was: “The role of the administrators in promoting and sustaining effective performance in the judiciary” was apposite and well-timed, Justice Onnoghen assured that judiciary must play its role in addressing the economic challenges and rampant social unrest in different parts of the country.

He said the role of judicial administrators “provides the fillip that ensures the overall success of any judicial system”.

Justice Onnoghen said effective and efficient performance of their duties will enable the judiciary to run smoothly like a well-oiled machine.

“We must therefore exhibit a positive character and attitude worthy of emulation, and avoid conflicts of interest when dealing with your staff and the public”.

In her keynote address, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Rosaline P.I. Bozimo (rtd), reminded the participants that as administrative officers, they are on the frontline of the judiciary, and therefore requires to actively participate in establishing, maintaining, enforcing as well as observing a high standard of conduct based on the twin pillars of integrity and independence.

“You must protect the integrity of the judiciary and prevent any act that will ridicule or bring the judiciary to disrepute.

She urged them to be proactive and endeavour to anticipate possible situations and implement policies that will address potential challenges.

According to her, the judiciary renders a very important service to the nation and citizenry through the dispensation of justice, therefore, their actions directly affect the quality of justice as well as the confidence reposed in the judiciary.