President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration's unwavering commitment to judicial independence and comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s justice system.
Speaking through the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the President made the remarks at the launch of a book celebrating the judicial legacy of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
The book, co-authored by renowned legal scholar Dr Charles Mekwunye (SAN) and Ayo Olanrewaju, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Chairman of the Editorial Board of the Nigerian Weekly Law Reports (NWLR), offers a deep dive into Justice Ariwoola’s decades-long service in Nigeria’s appellate courts.
It highlights his jurisprudential contributions, especially in constitutional, electoral, and commercial law.
Delivering the President’s message, Fagbemi praised Justice Ariwoola for viewing his position not just as a career milestone but as a patriotic duty.
“Justice Ariwoola brought distinction to the bench. His judgments have helped shape the legal architecture of modern Nigeria,” Fagbemi said.
He emphasised the Tinubu administration’s support for legislative and structural reforms aimed at fast-tracking justice and enhancing public trust in the judiciary.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who chaired the occasion, said, “This book is not just a tribute to an individual but a chronicle of legal thought that has shaped Nigeria’s democratic journey,” Jonathan remarked.
Legal luminaries, senior advocates, and academics gathered at the Abuja event lauded the publication, which was formally reviewed by Professor Bolaji Owasanoye (SAN).
The former ICPC Chairman described the book as a rich and thoughtful reflection on the life and legal mind of Justice Ariwoola, noting that it offers valuable lessons for both practitioners and scholars.
Dr Mekwunye, speaking at the launch, provided an overview of the book’s core themes, emphasising that it captures the essence of Justice Ariwoola’s consistent judicial philosophy.
He noted that despite never issuing a dissenting opinion during his tenure, Ariwoola advanced legal doctrines through consensus judgments, often shaping key legal precedents in the process.
Beyond celebrating past achievements, the event also served as a platform to highlight urgent issues facing Nigeria’s judicial system.
Dr Mekwunye made a passionate appeal for the Federal Government to address the plight of pre-trial detainees held in correctional facilities for years without trial.
“It is disheartening that some Nigerians have spent as much as nine years in detention without formal charges or bail.
“True reform must extend to timely access to justice and the protection of fundamental rights, especially for the vulnerable,” he said.
Justice Ariwoola, in his response, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the honour and reflected on the solemn duty of judges in a democracy.
He urged young lawyers to maintain discipline, uphold the rule of law, and serve with unwavering integrity.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” he said, echoing the age-old legal maxim.
The event concluded with a renewed call from all speakers for genuine, systemic reform in the judiciary, ensuring that the courts remain the last hope of the common man.
Copyright Notice:
All rights reserved. The content on this website, including text and other digital materials, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed in whole or in part without the express written consent of THE NEWS ACCELERATOR NETWORK.
For advertising inquiries, news coverage, or press releases, please contact us at thenewsacceleratornetwork@gmail.com or call 08144048512, 08051017159.
Post a Comment