The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, reiterated Nigeria’s position as one of the most litigious countries globally on Wednesday. He noted that the judiciary was facing challenging times due to a continuous surge in pending cases across various courts.
To combat this trend, the CJN urged Nigerians to embrace alternative dispute resolution methods, reducing the burden on courts and preserving valuable resources.
Justice Ariwoola made these remarks at the Supreme Court while swearing in nine newly appointed Justices of the Court of Appeal. He attributed the rise in litigation to an increase in novel crimes within the country.
Political cases, in particular, have placed significant strain on the judicial system, resulting in growing caseloads for courts across the nation. Justice Ariwoola stressed the need for a shift toward alternative dispute resolution, emphasizing that it was essential to unburden the judiciary and conserve resources.
He encouraged the newly appointed Appeal Court Justices to remain committed to upholding the law and avoiding corruption and temptation. The CJN reminded them that their oaths of office signified a solemn commitment to ethical conduct in their roles as senior judicial officers in the appellate court.
Justice Ariwoola concluded by urging the justices to uphold their integrity and reputation, as they would inevitably encounter high-profile cases and tempting offers that could compromise their moral standing. He emphasized the importance of conducting their affairs within the bounds of the law and the oaths they had taken.
The CJN highlighted the heightened public scrutiny they would face and the need to maintain their commitment to justice and ethics. He reminded them that it was easier to follow the crowd but far more meaningful to stand alone with a clear conscience.
