The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola, has again urged judges to maintain neutrality as arbiters to sustain the ethos of democracy in public confidence in the judiciary.
Ariwoola gave the charge on Sunday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, at a Three Day Retreat for Justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal at the instance of the Attorney General Alliance-Africa (AGA-AFRICA) in partnership with the National Judicial Institute (NJI) on, ‘Achieving Efficiency And Effectiveness In A Judicial System In Nigeria’
Represented by Justice Helen Ogunwumiju, the CJN told participants, “Democracy can only thrive on respect for the Rule of Law and its principles also advocate the independence of the Judiciary, Separation of Powers, a guarantee of fundamental rights, freedom of expression epitomised by free press and media as well as free and fair elections, all of which can only be guaranteed by the efficient and effective judiciary.
“Therefore, efficiency and effectiveness are not mere aspirations but essential foundations upon which our justice system rests. They are also the cornerstone of a judiciary that earns the trust and confidence of its people.
“To achieve this, it is imperative to explore innovative case management techniques, embrace modern technologies to streamline court processes, and generally dispense justice in a manner that restores faith in the rule of law.
“As we move forward into this digital age, we must embrace the potential of technology which would significantly enhance efficiency by streamlining administrative tasks, aid legal research, reduce having a backlog of cases, and generally improve transparency and efficiency in the administration of justice.”
On the benefits of the retreat, Justice Ariwoola noted that “This exchange of ideas fosters innovations which can engender reforms and improve processes in the judiciary. It is my expectation that this retreat will provide us with an invaluable opportunity to reflect on current practices, identify areas for improvement, and chart a course towards a more efficient and effective judiciary.
“My Lords, Distinguished Participants, I am optimistic that the fruitful discussions and collaborative efforts that will undoubtedly emerge from this retreat will, no doubt, map out strategies towards a more efficient and effective judiciary.
“A judiciary that not only dispenses justice but also serves as a beacon of hope and trust for our nation. Working together, we can reaffirm the judiciary’s role as pillar of democracy and justice in Nigeria.”
