Kogi CJ tasks new judges on integrity, impartiality

Chief Judge of Kogi state, Justice Nasiru Ajanah, has charged the newly appointed High Court Judges of the state to uphold the virtues of integrity, impartiality and courage in the dispensation of justice.
Justice Ajanah gave the charge in Lokoja during a special court session organised to introduce the three new judges said there were chosen based on track record of performance after a competitive and rigorous selection process conducted by the State Judicial Service Commission and the National Judicial Council (NJC).
The new judges are Alhassan Saidu, Ruth Alolo Alfa and Zubair Saliu.
He warned lawyers and clients seeking justice in the courts to avoid compromising the integrity of the judiciary just as he urged members of the public to always report judges making ungodly demands from them.
According to him, the qualities which sustain judicial legitimacy consist of courage, integrity and good character, independence of mind, dedication to duty, honesty, sound judgment, deep learning, creativity and fidelity.
“As I charge our new judges on these indispensable tools essential to enable them discharge their responsibilities with utmost good faith, as worthy judicial officers, I make strong appeal to the public, lawyers and other colleagues, community leaders, associates, friends, family and well wishers to stay away from our judges and leave them to do their work with peace and righteousness.
“Persons in litigation should get good lawyers to present your case incourt for you.
If you have legitimately played your part and you have reason to believe that the judge is making unholy demands on you, donot hesitate or spare them, ensure that you report him or her to the appropriate quarters,” he warned.
He noted that whenever a judicial officer compromises these tests, legitimacy is lost, personal respect is eroded, societal norms arehampered and spiritually, the judge is practically doomed.
Justice Ajanah said, “Basically, all judicial officers at all levels must administer law.
That requires both the capacity and the dedication to make impartial findings of fact and to consciously applythe law.
“The basic requirements of integrity and impartiality are fundamental and do not vary.
These are the conditions upon which society has given judge the authority to make decisions that bind parties and punish offenders.
“The performance of these judicial functions is particularly manifest in the day to day application of laws and of the settled legal principles.
Many of these laws give judges discretions, both in the strict sense of ability to chose between alternatives and in the broader sense, of making judgment.”