The newly sworn-in Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, urged politicians this weekend not to interfere with the judiciary’s powers as the 2023 elections near.
Ariwoola, speaking at a banquet hosted by the Oyo State Government in his honor, also cautioned the judges to leave politics to politicians.
“We are ready and waiting, and we will not let Nigerians down,” declared the CJN. Let the politicians leave the judges alone so that we can function.
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“Let them do their thing, and let us do ours.” Law is not static; we implement the law as it is made. However, our calendars are already full. We have repeatedly requested a constitutional amendment.
“There are numerous cases that should not be heard by the Supreme Court in 2022.” Many are indeed domestic political party issues. Why bring it to the court for us to decide when your constitution has already provided you the way?
“Follow the path. And a party’s constitution remains inferior to Nigeria’s constitution. So, wherever there is a controversy, the Nigerian constitution takes precedence.
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“So, we are waiting, praying fervently, and with God’s aid, this country will not be divided, this country will not collapse in our time and in your time.” We pledge to do our absolute best, and we will not let you down, nor will we fail Nigerians.”
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State stated in his remarks that his administration has created an enabling environment for the judicial branch of government to carry out its constitutional tasks because it recognizes that it is a beacon of hope for the ordinary man.