The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Muhammad, has implored newly appointed judges of High Courts and Kadis of Sharia Courts to shun all forms of gratification in the discharge of their legal duties.
The CJN, who gave the charge yesterday in Abuja, also admonished the judges to be proactive and device personal means to curb what he described as persistent delay in the administration of justice.
Justice Muhammad made the call while declaring open the 2020 Virtual Induction Course for newly appointed judges and Kadis organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI). He noted that delay in the administration of justice is the major bane of the nation’s judiciary.
“My lords, ladies and gentlemen, it is no longer news that much of the criticisms leveled against the justice delivery system in Nigeria are about delays in the administration of justice, biased and wrong application of laws. These acts are often not to the delight of litigants and court users as they often frown at the way services are rendered.
“As such, a better understanding of the current trends in justice administration will help you appraise and curb the waste of judicial time and resources thereby ensuring justice delivery is efficient and proactive. Accordingly, while discharging your duties it is important to note that all forms of gratification must not be associated with you.
“You must not be found wanting. Transparency, honesty and accountability must remain your watchwords. I urge you therefore, to eschew corruption in the discharge your duties,” the CJN said.