The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad has cautioned newly appointed Judge and Kadis against any forms of absenteeism and non-challance in their judicial endeavor.
The CJN stated this in a keynote address on Monday at the opening ceremony of the induction course with the theme; ‘Inculcating Judicial Excellence in newly Appointed Judicial Officers’ for participants Judges.
“You can be persecuted if you failed to heed my advise”, Muhammad warned.
Earlier, a book presentation titled Commentaries and Annotations on the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria by Gilbert Tor was unveiled and presented before the participants at the ceremony.
While advising the participants against absenteeism, the CJN described the programme as the sole aspect that took them away from their stations.
“This is the very sole aspect that has moved you away from your station. You took permission to be here and not be in your court. In essence, please know that a new policy by the NJC is in place and a register is already in place to checkmate participants from absenting themselves during the duration of the programme,” he added.
While wishing them success in their capacity, he urged them to stay back until the final day of the programme.
In her welcome address at the ceremony, the administrator, National Judicial Institute, Justice Patricia Bozimo told the participants that the course was provided for by the National Judicial Institute Act, describing the forum as a place where newly appointed Judges are formally introduced to the rudiments of administration of justice.
While charging participants further, she said, “Let me also remind you that dispensation of justice is not only a public service, but also service to our creator the Almighty God. For these reasons, you must work hard, acquire the requisite values, knowledge and skill to enable you perform these functions satisfactorily to sustain public confidence in the judiciary and further strengthen the rule of law,”
Bozimo therefore implored participants to use the opportunity to avail themselves via the course of recent developments in law, practice and procedure in courts, as well as contemporary legal issues.
