Nigeria, judiciary passing through trying times – Kwara CJ, Swears-in 36 judicial officers

…. Swears-in 36 judicial officers

Kwara state Chief Judge, Justice Sulyman Kawu on Monday said
that Nigeria and indeed the judiciary are currently passing through
trying times.

The Justice Kawu said this in Ilorin, the state capital shortly
after swearing-in 35 new magistrates and one Area Court judge.

The CJ urged the newly sworn-in judicial officers to shun
ethnic, religious or filial considerations in the discharge of
their duties.

Said he: “Elections are coming and politics is heavy in the air.
You must at all times live above board, shun corruption like a
plague, exhibit courage and be independent-minded in all that you
do without being arrogant.

As, magistrates and judge, you must steer away from the
political arena so that the dust of the fray will not becloud your
perception of the facts and issues placed before you for
adjudication.

“It is only by so doing that justice will not only be done but
will be seen to have been truly done.”

Justice Kawu added that “today’s ceremony marks a new chapter in
the history of the state judiciary. First, the number of
magistrates and Area Court judge just sworn-in today constitute the
largest number of officers to be recruited into the lower bench of
the state judiciary in one single exercise.

“Another reason why today’s event is unique is that the newly
sworn-in magistrates are the first set of officers in the history
of the state judiciary to be appointed as legal research
assistants, in which capacity they have spent over four years on
attachment to High Court judges and chief magistrates, charged with
the responsibility of
conducting legal research works and writing opinions on legal
issues.

“After being appointed as magistrates, they served four-month
pupilage under seasoned senior magistrates. I am confident and
delighted to say that this set of magistrates have been
sufficiently trained, mentored and are therefore the most prepared
to take up the responsibility of adjudication in the lower
courts.

“Today’s oath-taking ceremony is indeed a weighty and binding
covenant between you and your God, to do justice to all manner of
people without fear or favour, ill will or affection, for which you
shall be called to render account on the day of judgment. I,
therefore, urge you to be scrupulous in the discharge of your
duties.”