By Correspondent in Abuja.
(C) Google.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged the newly sworn-in Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Justice Mainasara Umar, to uphold the integrity of his office and resist any form of compromise for personal or political gains.
Justice Kekere-Ekun gave the charge on Tuesday in Abuja during the swearing-in ceremony of the new CCT chairman.
She also admonished Justice Umar to justify the confidence reposed in him by President Bola Tinubu by providing principled, transparent, and impartial leadership.
“The office you now occupy demands in its leadership,a person of sound judgment, unshakable independence, and the moral courage to do what is right, regardless of whose interests may be at stake,” the CJN stated.
She reminded the new chairman that his primary loyalty must remain with the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Constitution, and the cause of justice, not to any individual, group, or authority.
“The trust placed in you is a trust on behalf of the nation, and it must never be compromised or traded for personal or political reasons,” she cautioned.
Justice Kekere-Ekun further advised the new chairman to ensure fairness, firmness, and adherence to the dictates of the law in the discharge of his duties.
“The cases that come before you may involve high stakes and sensitive issues touching on the very soul of public trust. Approach every matter with fairness and firmness, guided solely by the law and the Constitution,” she said.
She also urged Justice Umar not to allow external influence to sway his judgment and to let his actions inspire public confidence in the institution he now leads.
“You must uphold the law without fear or favour, affection or ill will. Let your actions inspire confidence in the institution you now lead,” she added.
The CJN encouraged the new chairman to promote transparency and administrative excellence within the tribunal.
In his response, Justice Umar expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to administer justice with courage, fairness, and humility.
He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening institutional integrity within the tribunal and ensuring that justice is not only done but is seen to be done in every case.
Our correspondent reports that with his swearing-in, the tribunal now has a full complement of three judges and can resume adjudicating,pending cases that were stalled in the absence of a chairman.
Other members of the tribunal are Justice William A. Atedze and Justice Julie Anabor.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
