President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the launch of outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola’s autobiography, “Judging with Justice,” has urged the judiciary to uphold its constitutional mandates and ignore those who never see anything good in the Judiciary unless the pendulum of justice swings their way.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, praised Ariwoola, highlighting his career as a model of dedication and service, noting significant reforms during his tenure, including an increase in judges’ retirement age and improved pensions.
He said: “I hope his (Justice Ariwoola) successor in office will carry on the baton passed on by His Lordship. I urge the Nigerian judiciary to live up to its constitutional mandate and ignore those who never see anything good in the Judiciary unless the pendulum of justice swings their way.
“I am hopeful that as His Lordship retires into other endeavours, his successors will continue to deliver on the ideals of justice and improve the standards set by Honourable Justice Ariwoola, GCON,” he noted.
The President praised Ariwoola, highlighting his career as a model of dedication and service, noting significant reforms during his tenure, including an increase in judges’ retirement age and improved pensions.
He also encouraged Ariwoola’s successor, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun to continue his legacy.
The event was attended by notable figures, including former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who commended Ariwoola’s leadership in stabilizing the justice sector.
He described Ariwoola’s sojourn on the bench as a testament to the reward for hard work, dedication, and service to Nigeria and humanity.
“His Lordship’s long and inspiring career on the bench is a testament to the reward for hard work, dedication, and selfless service to the nation and humanity. As Chief Justice of Nigeria, His Lordship Justice Ariwoola has used his vast experience and capacity to address the challenges facing the Supreme Court and the Nigerian judiciary,” he said.
President Tinubu recalled the reforms and advancements in the administration of justice during Ariwoola’s tenure, including an increase in the retirement age for judges and other judicial officers to 65-70 years.
“The pensions of judicial officers have been fairly secured as retired judges will now enjoy their full pay as their pension for life. Incisive judgements that provide extensive societal reforms, such as the one that recently liberated the local government councils from the shackles of financial lack, are critical to our society’s growth and development,” he added.
Tinubu expressed delight that, as President of Nigeria, he was able to witness these laudable achievements in the nation’s judiciary, even as he implored the third arm of government to live up to its constitutional mandate and not be swayed by those prone to criticizing it whenever they don’t get a favourable judgement.
Daily Sun
