Judges Who Fail to Deliver Judgment Within 90 Days Risk Sanction, CJN Warns

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has reminded judges that they must always comply with the provisions of section Section 294(1) and (6) of the 1999 constitution which mandates judges to deliver judgments within 90 days of completion of parties’ final addresses.

The CJN who spoke in Abuja at an induction course for new judges at the National Judicial institute, told the judges that if for any reason they could not deliver the judgment within 90 days the defaulting judges must transmit a report to his office and show cause why they were unable to comply with the provisions of the constitution.

“Failure to abide by these statutory orders amounts to misconduct,” he added.

Justice Mohammed told the new judges to be diligent and to maintain high standard in the course of their duty as judges.
He asked them to watch their lifestyles and make sure that they avoid any act that capable of betraying them as judges

He also called on newly appointed judges to shun corruption and do justice without fear or favour.
The CJN, represented by Justice Walter Onnoghen, said impartiality was a fundamental quality of a judge for there to be respect for the judiciary.

He said: “Your appointment to the bench as judicial officers comes at a crucial time in the history of our beloved country, as we pivot our fortune in a serious war against corruption which has been a huge impediment to the nation’s growth.

“I urge you to avoid any type of corrupt practices so as to maintain your integrity as a judge.”
The administrator of the institute, Rosaline Bozimo, in her welcome address told the new judges that their jobs as judicial officers demands that they must be courageous, fearless, candid, uncompromising and firm in upholding the rule of law as they strive to attain judicial excellence.

Bozimo said: “As an institution, the judiciary should not be ‎indebted to anyone but the constitution. Judgments and decision of the courts must be apolitical and free from bias at all times and must be accepted, understood and perceived as such.

“Your role as it is aptly encapsulated in our Judicial Oath of Office is to uphold the law and dispense justice to all persons alike without fear, favour or prejudice.”