President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday extolled the virtues of the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, saying his sojourn on the bench is a testament to the reward for hard work, dedication, and service to the nation and humanity.
Speaking particularly about the retired CJN, the President said: “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”.
President Tinubu spoke at the public presentation of the book, “Judging with Justice: The Autobiography of Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola”, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Justice Ariwoola who was the 22nd CJN had earlier retired at valedictory session at the Supreme Court complex in Abuja, following his attainment of 70 years.
Represented at the book launch by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President recalled the reforms and advancements in the administration of justice during Justice Ariwoola’s tenure, including an increase in the retirement age for judges and other judicial officers to 65-70 years.
According to him: “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”.
Describing the ex-CJN’s career as a shining example of what could be achieved through hard work, dedication, and a passion for public service, President Tinubu said, “From humble beginnings at the Local Authority Demonstration School in Iseyin, Oyo State, to the launch of his career as a law officer at the Oyo State Ministry of Justice and now as a leading figure in the judiciary, his story inspires us all.
“The vastness of His Lordship’s academic and professional career is not in doubt. His Lordship’s commitment to the ideals of a just and fair society can also not be overemphasized. We have seen this in his exemplary leadership of the Judiciary, and I am thankful for the support the judiciary has extended to the growth and development of our dear country.”
He 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.
“I hope his (Justice Ariwoola’s) 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 Hon. Justice Ariwoola,” the President noted
He wished Justice Ariwoola a happy retirement and more success in his future endeavours, hoping that “his legacy inspires us to strive for excellence and justice in our public service”.
The public presentation of his autobiography was part of the events marking his retirement.
Earlier, Justice of the Supreme Court tipped as the incoming CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, shared her experience working closely with Justice Ariwoola, invoking a quote from James Baikie’s “Peeps at Many Lands: Ancient Rome.”
She said: “When a nation becomes great, it is never by ferocity, or falseness, but always by something in the nation that is good and sterling. We have in the person of Justice Ariwoola a living embodiment of these qualities”.
Also speaking, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, highlighted Ariwoola’s significant contributions, particularly noting his role in the recent Judicial Office Holders Salaries and Allowances Act 2024.
Wike said, “This landmark achievement reflects his deep commitment to ensuring that the judiciary is independent, well-resourced and motivated.”
On his part, former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar commended Ariwoola’s leadership, saying, “Your chairmanship has witnessed unprecedented stability in the justice sector, and because of your focused leadership, Nigeria has emerged more united.
“I am delighted that our country has continued to weather the political storms as a result of the collective will of all Nigerians to make a success of our democracy,” he added.
Emphasising the book’s title as a potential creed for all judges, General Abubakar asked every judge to ask themselves: ‘Have I judged with justice,’ even as he said the book should be a guiding principle for everyone, no matter their profession.
Book reviewer and President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Justice Benedict Bawaph Kanyip, noted that the autobiography primarily focuses on Justice Ariwoola’s background and guiding principles.
Kanyip noted that a key theme of the book is that “the only client a judge has is justice.”
Deji Elumoye
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