President Bola Tinubu has extolled the speedy previous Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, saying his sojourn on the bench was a testomony to the reward for onerous work, dedication and repair to Nigeria and humanity.
Tinubu spoke on Thursday on the public presentation of the guide ‘Judging with Justice: The Autobiography of Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola’ on the International Conference Centre in Abuja.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed this in an announcement on Thursday titled, ‘President Tinubu to Justice Ariwoola: You’re a testomony to onerous work, selfless service to nation, humanity.’
“His Lordship’s lengthy and provoking profession on the bench is a testomony to the reward for onerous 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,” the President stated concerning the retired CJN.
Justice Ariwoola, the twenty second CJN, had earlier retired at a valedictory session on the Supreme Court complicated in Abuja following his attainment of 70 years.
The President, who was represented on the guide launch by Vice President Kashim Shettima, recalled the reforms and developments within the administration of justice throughout Justice Ariwoola’s tenure, together with a rise within the retirement age for judges and different 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 previous CJN’s profession as a shining instance of what could possibly be achieved by way of onerous work, dedication, and a ardour for public service, President Tinubu stated, “From humble beginnings on the Local Authority Demonstration School in Iseyin, Oyo State, to the launch of his profession as a regulation officer on the Oyo State Ministry of Justice and now as a number one determine within the judiciary, his story conjures up us all.
“The vastness of His Lordship’s educational {and professional} profession just isn’t unsure. His Lordship’s dedication to the beliefs of a simply and honest society may not be overemphasised.
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“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 added.
Tinubu expressed delight that, as President, he was in a position to witness these laudable achievements within the nation’s judiciary, whilst he implored the third arm of presidency to dwell as much as its constitutional mandate and never be swayed by these susceptible to criticising it every time they don’t get a beneficial judgment.
“I hope his (Justice Ariwoola’s) successor in workplace will keep it up the baton handed on by His Lordship. I urge the Nigerian judiciary to dwell as much as its constitutional mandate and ignore those that by no means see something good within the Judiciary until the pendulum of justice swings their manner.
“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 famous.
He wished Justice Ariwoola a cheerful retirement and extra 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 courtroom 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 a part of the occasions marking his retirement.
Earlier, Justice of the Supreme Court tipped because the incoming CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, shared her expertise working intently 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 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,” the brand new CJN said.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike highlighted Ariwoola’s important contributions, notably his function within the current Judicial Office Holders Salaries and Allowances Act 2024.
Wike stated, “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 (retd), counseled Ariwoola’s management, saying, “Your chairmanship has witnessed unprecedented stability within the justice sector, and due to your targeted management, Nigeria has emerged extra 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 guide’s title as a possible creed for all judges, Gen. Abubakar requested each decide to ask themselves, ‘Have I judged with justice?’ He stated the guide needs to be a tenet for everybody, regardless of their career.
Book reviewer and President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Justice Benedict Bawaph Kanyip, famous that the autobiography primarily focuses on Justice Ariwoola’s background and guiding ideas.
Kanyip famous {that a} key theme of the guide is that “the only client a judge has is justice.”
Others current on the occasion 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, Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, amongst many others.