CJN warns Judges not to betray the oath of office

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Muhammad has warned judicial officers not to betray their oath of office for any reason whatsoever.

Muhammad who gave the advice in Abuja on Wednesday during the inauguration of Justice Salisu Garba as the acting Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory said since their oath of office was a covenant between them and God, they should hold tenaciously to it and never be tempted to violate or desecrate any fraction of it

He said, “The oath you have taken is a covenant between you and the Almighty God. I urge you to hold tenaciously to it and never be tempted to violate or desecrate any fraction of it.

“As we all know, even the cloudiest areas of our hearts and thoughts, God sees through. We can’t afford to pretend about our intentions.”

The CJN described Garba as an experienced and dedicated judicial officer, advising him not to betray the confidence reposed in him.

Muhammad said, “The times that we are in, are quite perilous, so we must gird our loins to give our best in every task given to us with a view to moving our nation forward.

“We must not rest on oars if we are truly desirous of attaining new heights and conquering seemingly difficult situations.

“As the head of the FCT Judiciary, we expect nothing short of the best from you. The buck stops at your desk and you must always be honest enough to be dispassionate in handling all issues before you.

“As the acting Chief Judge of the FCT, you are carrying a lot of responsibilities on your shoulders. If, for instance, you were working 14 hours per day before, you have to double it to meet up with the demands of your new office.

“I have long known you as an astute and dexterous judicial officer; so, I have no doubt that you will rise up to the occasion and give a sterling account of yourself at the end of your stewardship.”