The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola has noted that the opinions of the general public cann’t override the superiority of Nigeria’s constitution.
The CJN stated this in Abuja, on Wednesday, while addressing the 22 newly sworn-in judges of the Federal High Court.
Ariwoola warned that the constitution must be first considered when deciding each case brought before them.
“Several vitriolic attacks are regularly heaped on the judiciary; it is, however, crystal clear that public opinion, no matter how serious or weighty it might be, cannot supersede the Constitution of the country which we apply in deciding each case,” he said.
“Nevertheless, your Lordships still owe your conscience and the generality of the Nigerian masses, particularly those who are looking up to you, the great responsibility of good moral rectitude and acceptable conduct to uphold and consolidate the trust reposed in you.
“Like it is often said, a clear conscience fears no accusation. He who comes to equity, as we all say, must come with clean hands.
“So, your Lordships must severe ties with anything that will smear your hands and bring you into disrepute in the course of your new assignment.
“You must, at all times, rise above temptations and trials that might obstruct or even halt your rise to the pinnacle of your career. That is what separates those with integrity and passion for success from those with low pedigree and dysfunctional moral compass.”
