I Will Not Condone Any Form Of Corruption Within The Judiciary – CJN

Posted by: Folamidavid in News, Politics Oct 10, 2019

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Tanko Muhammad, has come out to say that the National Judicial Council, NJC is ready to investigate and sanction corrupt judges all over the country.

Justice Tanko Muhammad who is also Chairman of the NJC, begged everybody that is not happy with the conduct of any judicial officer to send a petition to the legal body, and proper action will be taken.

He added that his administration will not condone any form of corruption within the judiciary.

His words, “We are all seasoned judicial officers that were appointed to the Supreme Court based on merit, experience and qualification. We are bound by the oath we have subscribed to and thus discharge our responsibilities without deference to anybody and we will continue to do so.

“We are never above board as human beings, so we are open to constructive criticisms. It may interest you to know that before we deliver any ruling or judgment, no matter how small it is, even if it is only five sentences, we have to hold a conference with all the Justices on the panel and could even expand it in some critical situations to involve all the justices of the court. The sole aim of this practice is to ensure that justice is given in every case before us, no matter how infinitesimal it might be because we are the final court in the land.

“Our judgments are always all-encompassing and must, at all times, reflect the feelings and views of every Justice on the panel. Dissenting judgments are always encouraged because we cannot see things from the same perspective”.

“If you have any complaint against any judicial officer, you can approach the National Judicial Council immediately with your petition. I can assure you that it will be looked into quickly and the required action will be taken against such judge.

We are maintaining a zero-tolerance for corruption. If you see us going the wrong way, based on your own understanding, you should quickly call our attention because we are amenable to correction, as it is only the almighty God that is infallible.”

“We are here to express our solidarity and also show appreciation with the way the Chief Justice of Nigeria is treating corruption cases in the court. Contrary to what people have been saying, neither I nor my committee is hostile to the Judiciary.”

“We, therefore, urge the Supreme Court of Nigeria, being the apex court of the country, to always use Justice as the basis of judgment and not the law.

“Whenever there is a clash between justice and law, justice should always prevail. There should never be a situation where law will take the place of justice”.