The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed has cautioned politicians, especially heads of government, to refrain from disparaging the integrity and reputation of the judiciary.
The CJN further stated that infamous development must stop as the judiciary remains the bastion of democracy and the last hope of common man.
Justice Mohammed stated this in a statement made available yesterday by his media aide, Mr Ahuraka Isah.
The CJN’s admonition was sequel to certain reactions to the verdicts of some governorship, National and State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal matters in the country.
Some politically exposed persons, state governors and even senior lawyers to some litigants had claimed that some of verdicts were influenced by money and political pressure.
But the CJN reminded the general public and stakeholders that the fight against corruption is a collective responsibility especially amongst public officials, particularly the state governors who are the chief security officers of their respective states.
According to the CJN, it is not just enough to say the judiciary is corrupt or that a judge was bribed to deliver a judgement and at the same time look the other way while thugs enter courts to beat judges, tear court processes and bomb the courts to prevent the delivery of some judgements.
He added that corruption is a common denominator experienced by all sections of government and as such, each head of government should look inward to devise strategies that will clear the social menace.
The CJN therefore urged state governors and public office holders to be sincere in the fight against corruption, saying that action speaks louder than words.
The CJN said, “Where proven allegations of fraud are made against judges, and court officials , it will be more productive to report same to the National Judicial Council (NJC) which is the body constitutionally mandated to look into such matters. ”
“Once such matters were duly brought before the council, proactive decisive and just investigation and sanction will indeed take place.
“The judiciary is an impartial and largely incorruptible institution, the last hope of the common man and the blind dispenser of justice without fear or favour affection or ill-will.”
