President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday asked the new Chief
Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Aloma Mukhtar, to create special
courts for terrorism and corruption related cases.
The president made this request at the State House, Abuja after
swearing-in Justice Mukhtar as the first female and 13th indigenous CJN.
He said that the security challenges in some parts of the country called for concerted actions by the three arms of government.
Mr Jonathan also advised the new Justice Mukhtar to designate judicial officers with wealth of experience in criminal jurisprudence and terrorism to preside over the special courts for outstanding results.
“I am confident that the judiciary under your able leadership will rise up to the challenge and provide the most needed support for government to address these challenges,” the president said.
“Our citizens complain of delayed trials particularly in cases of corruption, terrorism and other matters of serious concern.
“These complaints have led to frequent calls for special courts or designation of special judges to handle them with the required experience and speed.
“It will be your prerogative to consider and decide on this call. But I am sure that the entire country is in agreement that justice delayed is justice denied.’’
Mr Jonathan charged the new CJN to fulfil her promise of reforming the judiciary, as made during her confirmation by the Senate.
He said that the independence of the judiciary was critical to national development and survival, and called on the new CJN to ensure timely justice delivery.
The President said though his administration had remained focused in projecting women, but the CJN achieved the outstanding feat of becoming Nigeria’s first female Chief Justice of Nigeria on account of her brilliance, resilience and hard work.
“Ladies and gentlemen, there is the hand of destiny in the life of this distinguished jurist. From the records, her lordship has always been a trailblazer in her judicial journey.
“She was the first female lawyer of the Northern extraction, the first female high court judge from the North, first female second in command Kano State judiciary, the first Nigerian female jurist to be elevated to the Court of Appeal where she served for over 17 years at the appellate court.
“Today, she has risen to the pinnacle of her judicial career as the first female CJN in further service of our great country. My lord, I congratulate you.
“Her lordship’s achievement is an inspiration to all citizens especially womanhood not only in Nigeria but also in Africa and the rest of the world.
“The Honourable CJN now joins an eminent and exclusive list of achievers recognised throughout the world as beacon of hope in this century,’’ he said.
Justice Musdapher is honoured
The President thanked the immediate past CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher for the spirited efforts he made to restore public confidence in the judiciary within his short tenure in office.
“We wish Justice Musdapher, a well-deserved retirement and hope that he will avail his wealth of experience in the continued service of our nation especially as he is now a member of Council of State,’’ he said.
President Jonathan conferred on Justice Mukhtar the honour of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger, GCON; the second highest national honour in Nigeria.
President Goodluck Jonathan in a handshake with the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar
He said that the security challenges in some parts of the country called for concerted actions by the three arms of government.
Mr Jonathan also advised the new Justice Mukhtar to designate judicial officers with wealth of experience in criminal jurisprudence and terrorism to preside over the special courts for outstanding results.
“I am confident that the judiciary under your able leadership will rise up to the challenge and provide the most needed support for government to address these challenges,” the president said.
“Our citizens complain of delayed trials particularly in cases of corruption, terrorism and other matters of serious concern.
“These complaints have led to frequent calls for special courts or designation of special judges to handle them with the required experience and speed.
“It will be your prerogative to consider and decide on this call. But I am sure that the entire country is in agreement that justice delayed is justice denied.’’
Mr Jonathan charged the new CJN to fulfil her promise of reforming the judiciary, as made during her confirmation by the Senate.
He said that the independence of the judiciary was critical to national development and survival, and called on the new CJN to ensure timely justice delivery.
The President said though his administration had remained focused in projecting women, but the CJN achieved the outstanding feat of becoming Nigeria’s first female Chief Justice of Nigeria on account of her brilliance, resilience and hard work.
“Ladies and gentlemen, there is the hand of destiny in the life of this distinguished jurist. From the records, her lordship has always been a trailblazer in her judicial journey.
“She was the first female lawyer of the Northern extraction, the first female high court judge from the North, first female second in command Kano State judiciary, the first Nigerian female jurist to be elevated to the Court of Appeal where she served for over 17 years at the appellate court.
“Today, she has risen to the pinnacle of her judicial career as the first female CJN in further service of our great country. My lord, I congratulate you.
“Her lordship’s achievement is an inspiration to all citizens especially womanhood not only in Nigeria but also in Africa and the rest of the world.
“The Honourable CJN now joins an eminent and exclusive list of achievers recognised throughout the world as beacon of hope in this century,’’ he said.
Justice Musdapher is honoured
The President thanked the immediate past CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher for the spirited efforts he made to restore public confidence in the judiciary within his short tenure in office.
“We wish Justice Musdapher, a well-deserved retirement and hope that he will avail his wealth of experience in the continued service of our nation especially as he is now a member of Council of State,’’ he said.
President Jonathan conferred on Justice Mukhtar the honour of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger, GCON; the second highest national honour in Nigeria.
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