CJN Moves Against Nepotism, Tribalism In Judiciary

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, has warned that the judiciary would not tolerate any act of nepotism, tribalism, and favouritism from court administrators across the country.

The CJN said on his watch, such acts and other social vices would not be condoned in the judiciary as appropriate punitive measures would be taken against anybody found wanting in the discharge of his or her duty.

Leadership reports that the CJN, while declaring open, a national workshop organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) Abuja, for chief registrars, deputy chief registrars, directors, and secretaries of judicial service commission/committee said, “Your actions are like a beacon of light which other staff can aspire to follow and depend upon for guidance.

“Thus, any chief registrar, deputy chief registrar, director, and secretary judicial service commission/committee who is susceptible to bribery in any form, or who is prone to nepotism, favouritism, tribalism and other negative vices is unworthy of his/her office and has no place in the judiciary.”

He also urged the judicial administrators to shun corruption of any form at their places of work by striving to ensure that the judiciary is not tainted by its effects.

He stressed that any effort at judicial reform without the acquiescence, active participation and cooperation of judicial administrators in the judicial sector will be an exercise in futility.

“As court administrators, it would not be out of place to state that you will all play an integral role in maintaining efficient, impartial and transparent system of administration of justice.”

Onnoghen cautioned the participants that their actions and inactions can affect the speed and quality of the delivery of justice while endangering the confidence in the courts.

Theme of the workshop was: “The role of the administrators in promoting and sustaining effective performance in the judiciary”.

Onnoghen said the theme was apposite and well-timed taking into consideration the current climate in the judiciary and the country at large, especially the economic challenges and rampant social unrest occurring in different parts of the country.

In her keynote address, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Rosaline P.I. Bozimo (rtd), reminded the participants that as administrative officers, they are on the frontline of the judiciary, and therefore requires to actively participate in establishing, maintaining,and enforcing as well as observing a high standard of conduct based on the twin pillars of integrity and independence.

“You must protect the integrity of the judiciary and prevent any act that will ridicule or bring the judiciary to disrepute.

“You must be proactive, anticipating possible situations and implementing policies that will address potential challenges.

“Judiciary renders a very important service to the nation and citizenry through the dispensation of justice, therefore, your actions directly affect the quality of justice as well as the confidence reposed in the judiciary.”