The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has issued a warning to the public and to politicians not to disobey the law.
Additionally, he issued a caution against disrespecting the judiciary and made it clear that he would not tolerate it from those who are under his control.
When speaking at the Conference of Attorneys General in Abuja, Ariwoola noted that the judiciary’s silence should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness or susceptibility.
The CJN, who was represented by a Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, said, “I wish to let whoever cares to listen know that nobody no matter his or her position in society should mistake our golden silence for weakness or vulnerability.
“The judiciary under my watch will not sit by the sidelines to watch the temple of justice and ministers of justice being flagrantly chastised and whipped into silence.
“No one in this country is permitted under any guise to take the law into his or her hands simply because he or she has the guns to wield.”
For the benefit of all Nigerians, he said, it was better if judges and the courts were respected sooner. During this time, he issued a call to those involved in the justice system to uphold the rule of law and promote fairness and equity.
The CJN said, “Oppression and suppression of perceived enemies must not have a bearing on your conduct.
“Judicial officers must not suffer intimidation and chastisement and chief justices must not go cap-in-hand to beg for funds to run their courts.”
