By Chesa Chesa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extoled the virtues of the outgone Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, saying his sojourn on the bench is a testament to the reward for hard work, dedication, and service to Nigeria and humanity.
“His Lordship’s long and inspiring career on the bench is a testament to the reward for hard work, dedication, and selfless service to the nation and humanity.
“As Chief Justice of Nigeria, His Lordship Justice Ariwoola has used his vast experience and capacity to address the challenges facing the Supreme Court and the Nigerian judiciary,” the President said about the retired CJN.
President Tinubu, represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, spoke on Thursday during the public presentation of the book, “Judging with Justice: The Autobiography of Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola”, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Justice Ariwoola who was the 22nd CJN had earlier retired at valedictory session at the Supreme Court complex in Abuja, following his attainment of 70 years.
The President recalled the reforms and advancements in the administration of justice during Justice Ariwoola’s tenure, including an increase in the retirement age for judges and other judicial officers to 65-70 years.
“The pensions of judicial officers have been fairly secured as retired judges will now enjoy their full pay as their pension for life. Incisive judgements that provide extensive societal reforms, such as the one that recently liberated the local government councils from the shackles of financial lack, are critical to our society’s growth and development,” he added.
Describing the outgone CJN’s career as a shining example of what could be achieved through hard work, dedication, and a passion for public service, President Tinubu said, “From humble beginnings at the Local Authority Demonstration School in Iseyin, Oyo State, to the launch of his career as a law officer at the Oyo State Ministry of Justice and now as a leading figure in the judiciary, his story inspires us all.
“The vastness of His Lordship’s academic and professional career is not in doubt. His Lordship’s commitment to the ideals of a just and fair society can also not be overemphasized. We have seen this in his exemplary leadership of the Judiciary, and I am thankful for the support the judiciary has extended to the growth and development of our dear country.”
Tinubu expressed delight that, as President of Nigeria, he was able to witness these laudable achievements in the nation’s judiciary, even as he implored the third arm of government to live up to its constitutional mandate and not be swayed by those prone to criticizing it whenever they don’t get a favourable judgement.
“I hope his (Justice Ariwoola’s) successor in office will carry on the baton passed on by His Lordship. I urge the Nigerian judiciary to live up to its constitutional mandate and ignore those who never see anything good in the Judiciary unless the pendulum of justice swings their way.
“I am hopeful that as His Lordship retires into other endeavours, his successors will continue to deliver on the ideals of justice and improve the standards set by Honourable Justice Ariwoola, GCON,” the President noted
He wished Justice Ariwoola a happy retirement and more success in his future endeavours, hoping that “his legacy inspires us to strive for excellence and justice in our public service”.
Born on August 22, 1954, Justice Ariwoola was elevated to the Supreme Court court on November 22, 2011, and was appointed substantive CJN on June 27, 2022, following the resignation of his predecessor, Justice Tanko Muhammad
He was formally confirmed Chief Justice of Nigeria by the Senate on September 21, 2022.
