The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed has admonished politicians, most especially Heads of Government, to refrain from disparaging the integrity and reputation of the judiciary.
This is against the backdrop of negative reactions to the decision of electoral tribunals over some governorships, as well as National and State Assembly contests where some politicians, particularly governors and lawyers, alleged that some unfavorable verdicts were influenced by money and political pressure.
Justice Mohammed declared the fight against corruption to be a collective responsibility especially amongst public officials, particularly the state governors, who are supposed to be the chief security officers of their respective domains.
He pointed out that it is not enough to say the judiciary is corrupt or that that a judge was bribed to deliver a judgement, while turning the other way while thugs enter courts to beat up judges, tear up court processes and bomb the courts to prevent the delivery of some judgements.
The CJN noted that corruption is a common denominator being experienced by all sections of government. As such, each head of government should look inward to devise strategies that will clear the Augean stables of corruption, he challenged.
Justice Mohammed urged state governors and other public office holders to be sincere in the fight against corruption, stressing that action speaks louder than words.
He added that where proven allegations of fraud are made against judges or court staff, it would be more productive to report same to the National Judicial Council, which is the body constitutionally mandated to look into such matters. The CJN also emphasized that once such matters were duly brought before the council, proactive, decisive and just investigation and sanction will take place.
He reiterated that the Judiciary is an impartial and largely incorruptible institution, the last hope of the common man and the blind dispenser of justice without fear or favor, affection or ill-will.