The new Chief Judge of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed has vowed to impose maximum disciplinary measures against any judicial officer who circumvent the democratic rules as the nation marches to the 2015 general elections.
Justice Mahmud, at his formal swearing-in today by President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Auja, said that the judiciary would remain vigilant to play its constitutional roles towards sustaining the nurturing democracy.
He said that he had taken part in the reform of judiciary in conformity with the current democratic and legal practices, adding that he would continue to improve on them to bring back the glory of judiciary to the country.
The new CJN commended his immediate predecessor, Justice Mariyam Alloma Mukhtar for the transformation she had brought to bear on the judiciary.
Swearing-in the CJN, President Jonathan reminded him that Nigeria is on the threshold of another general election when politicians and political parties jostle for power.
He said that in the midst of these contestations, Nigerians look up to the judiciary as impartial arbiters in the polity, saying that the role of the judiciary in resolving political disputes in the country has been commendable.
“This has, over the years, engendered public confidence thereby discouraging resort to self-help with all its attendant negative consequences. I therefore urge our new Chief Justice to continue to steer the judiciary on the path of forthrightness required to entrench democratic consolidation.
The President noted that Justice Mahmud is assuming office at a time when the nation, including the Judiciary, is implementing institutional reforms in order to improve on governance and service delivery.
“It is particularly gratifying to note that he has been a critical part of these reforms from the onset, and therefore, at a vantage position to superintend over the process. I have no doubt that his tenure will witness even greater zeal in reforming and repositioning the judiciary for the effective and efficient discharge of its constitutional mandate.”
He assured the new CJN his administration’s steadfast commitment to uphold the independence of the judiciary, respect for the rule of law and the fostering of a harmonious relationship with the judiciary.
The President expressed gratitude to Justice Aloma Mukhtar for her invaluable service to Nigeria, saying: “in addition to the historic feat of being Nigeria’s first female Chief Justice, she has established her place in the honour roll of great drivers of Nigeria’s growth and development through her committed efforts at repositioning the Judiciary.
“As she retires, it is my hope that she will remain ready and willing to continue to avail the nation of her worthy attributes of courage, diligence, and selfless service.”
He also congratulated Justice Mahmud as the 14th indigenous Chief Justice of Nigeria, even as he immediately conferred on the new CJN the National Honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). [myad]
