The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Mukhtar yesterday inaugurated the nation’s first woman President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa. She urged judges to shun unethical practices, particularly corruption and acts that negate their oath of office.
Justice Mukhtar spoke while swearing in the sixth PCA. She observed that by their calling, judges were expected to always be above board and shun all acts capable of discrediting their offices.
Justice Mukhtar, who observed that the new PCA was assuming office at a critical time in the nation’s life, urged her to shun all forms of political pressures and discharge her responsibilities in consonance with the oath of office she just subscribed to.
She challenged Justice Bulkachuwa to provide a purposeful leadership; be dedicated to duty, shun all external pressures and lead by example.
Justice Mukhtar noted that Justice Bulkachuwa was assuming office at a time the Judiciary was undergoing reforms. She urged the new PCA to make all efforts to reposition the court and ensure that confidence in the court is restored.
“The office of the President of the Court of Appeal is very tasking and arduous, by this, you are charged to demonstrate purposeful leadership and ensure proper coordination of all the Justices and activities of the court in order to foster greater efficiency in the dispensation of justice. I emphasise here, leadership by example.
“Judicial service is a noble calling. A judicial officer’s nobility is exemplified in the personality of the judge, for in reality, the idea of citizens submitting their failings, vulnerability and frailties for determination before a human arbiter underlies the need for the exercise of the highest standard of professionalism.
“In fulfillment of this noble role, I therefore enjoin you, as a custodian of this sacred position, to shun all forms of political pressures and discharge your responsibilities in consonance with the oath of office you have just subscribed to.
“I congratulate you for your historic achievement, just as it is equally imperative for me to let you know that the task ahead is enormous and demanding. The Judiciary no doubt, has come a long way and we cannot afford to fail at this critical point in our nascent democracy,” Justice Mukhtar said.
Justice Bulkachowa assured the PCA of her commitment to the reforms in the Judiciary, particularly the fight against corruption.
