Justice Aji appointment to Supreme Court victory for judiciary, says CJN

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen said on Tuesday that the appointment of Justice Uwani Abba Aji to the bench of the Supreme Court was a victory for the Judiciary and democracy. Onnoghen stated this while swearing in Justice Aji as justice of the Supreme Court. Justice Aji who was elevated from the Court of Appeal after 14 years, brings the number of female justices currently serving at the apex court to four. CJN said that the decision by President Muhammadu Buhari approving justice Aji appointment offered hope for integrity. “Today is a great day in the history of Nigerian judiciary as not only witnessing the swearing in but a victory for the Judiciary in particular and legal practitioners”, he stated. He specially thanked the President for the decision. Justice Onnoghen said that as judges, “we must have to take hard decisions so be courageous in taking decision on matters before you.” He said that Justice Aji earned the appointment to the Supreme Bench by her hard work, and the reward for hard work in the bench is more work. He said his earlier directive that any matter slated for hearing in particular date must be heard on that date. He noted that election matters will further put pressure on the bench considering the work load he had outlined. Therefore, your elevation to the Bench of Nigeria’s apex court is timely and positive. “Your work ethic and integrity are what got you here and I urge you to do even more to leave your footprints on the sands of time in this Court. “On behalf of my Brother Justices, I wholeheartedly welcome you to the Supreme Court of Nigeria and wish you a successful time on the Bench of Nigeria’s apex court.” Andrew Orolua, Abuja