March 29, 2024

“Uphold Citizens’ Interest” Justice Tanko tells Kadis, Judges

Independence of the judiciary, the doctrine of Separation of Powers, guarantee of fundamental rights, freedom of expression epitomised by free press and media as well as free and fair elections. These principles, Justice Tanko said, are what judicial officers must protect.

Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Mr. Justice Ibrahim Muhammad has declared open the 2019 Refresher Course for Judges and Kadis at the National Judicial institute, NJI, Abuja.

Justice Tanko appealed to Judges not to condone injustice in the exercise of their powers as well as keep the interest of the citizens at heart.

The course is aimed at equipping judges and khadis on modern judicial practices is an effort by the to achieve a better and efficient judicial system.

“My Lords, as we are all aware, democracy insists on the respect for the rule of law. Its principles also advocate the independence of the judiciary, the doctrine of Separation of Powers, guarantee of fundamental rights, freedom of expression epitomised by free press and media as well as free and fair elections. These are principles, which we as judicial officers are called to protect.

“Brother judges, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, our nascent democracy has to be nurtured, consolidated and developed even as we will be faced with the arduous task of adjudicating over election petitions as we are in an election year.

“We must be constantly reminded that democracy, in itself, is nothing if fundamental principles enshrined in the Constitution of this nation cannot be readily determined in constitutional adjudication by a Judiciary manned by upright judicial officers.” Tanko emphasised.

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