National Judicial Institute, NJI, has commenced the 2023 refresher course for judges of lower court with the theme: “Repositioning the Nigerian Judiciary for Effective Justice Delivery.”
Addressing participants in Abuja on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the course, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN and the Chairman Board of Governors of the NJI, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola said lower court judges play a vital role in efforts to balance interests towards the attainment of a stable polity.
According to the CJN, the theme of the 2023 refresher course is germane as it afford participants the opportunity to equip themselves towards meeting the challenges ahead, even as he highlighted that judicial officers must remain neutral arbiters in sustaining the country’s democratic ethos.
He noted that the society depends on the independent-mindedness of members of the bench to get justice, appealing to participants to uphold the tenets if neutrality in discharging their assignments.
“In addition, Democracy thrives on the respect for the Rule of Law and its principles also advocate the independence of the Judiciary, the doctrine of Separation of Powers, guarantee of fundamental rights, freedom of expression epitomized by free press and media as well as free and fair elections.
“Distinguished Participants, Ladies and Gentlemen, I must not fail to add that Democracy in itself is nothing if the implication of the fundamental principles enshrined in the constitution of this nation cannot be readily determined in adjudication by a Judiciary manned by upright Judicial Officers.
“Therefore, as the society depends on justice, we as Judicial Officers who are privileged to do justice to all manner of persons, must ensure that we stand upright in the discharge of our duties.”
In his remarks, the Administrator of the NJI Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi noted that the course has over the years focused on keeping participants abreast with global best practices in adjudication and court administration.
He said a vibrant and independent Judiciary manned by upright Judicial Officers is indispensable to the sustenance of public confidence in the administration of justice, urging participants to take advantage of the course to improve their output in their adjudicative duties.
“Participants are encouraged to take this Refresher course seriously with a view of cross-fertilizing ideas towards repositioning the Judiciary as the theme stipulates.
“I must not hesitate to mention however that the development of the Judiciary today cannot be possible without the input and industry of our dedicated Judicial Officers”, he stated.