AFTER CONTROVERSIAL APPOINTMENT, CHIEF OF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA, MOHAMMED INAUGURATES ELECTION TRIBUNAL
The embattled former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) was removed as he prepared to inaugurate members of the election tribunal ahead of elections scheduled to kick start from February 16,but under the 1999 constitution, the Chief Justice can only be removed with the approval of the National Judicial Council and the Senate.
However, the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) while inaugurating the tribunal members at the complex of Nigeria’s Supreme Court on Saturday, said he was delighted to address them for the 2019 General Elections that is around the corner.
“I am delighted to address you all on this occasion of the swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed Chairmen and members of Election Petition Tribunals for the 2019 General Elections that is around the corner’.
“As you lordships take the oath of office as chairmen and members of the Election Petition Tribunals, let me remind you that this oath is a solemn appeal to Almighty God. Therefore, it is God Almighty that you will be ultimately responsible to’.
“Therefore, it is from this oath that your duties and responsibilities as chairmen and members of the Election Petition Tribunals in your various places of assignment spring forth and has a binding effect. This is an ethical undertaking to justice as well as upholding the rule of law in our courts.
“As such, I implore you to discharge your onerous duty diligently and with the fear of God Almighty. The judiciary is in trying times; you must stand to protect and uphold the integrity of this arm of government. I therefore congratulate you on this appointment and I urge you to see this assignment as a call to greater service to your nation’.
“I encourage you to uphold and enhance the honour and standing of the judiciary and I pray that the Almighty God will bestow upon you strength, good health and wisdom in the performance of your duties,’’ Muhammad said.
Penpushing further reports that out of the sixteen Justices of the Supreme Court, only Justice Sidi Bage attended the ceremony along with the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
