Tinubu to New CJN: Continue Ariwoola’s Legacy, Disregard Judiciary Critics

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, told the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to carry on the baton passed on by the retired CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and ignore those who never see anything good in the judiciary unless the pendulum of justice swings their way.

President Tinubu has also extolled the virtues of the outgone CJN, Justice Ariwoola, saying his sojourn on the bench was a testament to the reward for hard work, dedication, and service to Nigeria and humanity.

Also, former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, asked every judge to ask themselves: whether they have judged with justice.

Speaking during the public presentation of the book, “Judging with Justice: The Autobiography of Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola”, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, President Tinubu 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.”

Justice Ariwoola, who was the 22nd CJN, had earlier retired at a valedictory session at the Supreme Court complex in Abuja, following his attainment of 70 years.

The President, represented at the book launch by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, 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.

“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.

Describing the outgone 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.”

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.

“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 Honourable Justice Ariwoola, GCON,” 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”.

Born on August 22, 1954, Justice Ariwoola was elevated to the Supreme Court court on November 22, 2011, and was appointed substantive CJN on June 27, 2022, following the resignation of his predecessor, Justice Tanko Muhammad.

He was formally confirmed Chief Justice of Nigeria by the Senate on September 21, 2022.

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.”

“When a nation becomes great, it is never by ferocity or falsehood, 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,” the new CJN stated.

On his part, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, highlighted Ariwoola’s significant contributions, particularly 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.”

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), 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, Gen. 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 focusses 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.”

Others present at the event included the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun; President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem; Attorneys-General of States; Senior Members of the Bench and Bar; Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, among many others.