The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, on Monday, urged judges in the country to shun all forms of bias and ensure justice is dispensed equitably on all cases before them.
Ariwoola, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the conference of the National Association of Women Judges in Nigeria, stressed that it was the only way to restore confidence in the judiciary.
Describing the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, the CJN said judges must strive to interpret the law at all times without affection and ill will.
Ariwoola said, “The judiciary is saddled with the responsibility of upholding the rule of law by interpreting, construing and applying the relevant laws. The judiciary is indeed the last hope of the common man, and we as judicial officers must strive to preserve the confidence reposed in us by the society.”
He informed that the objective of the conference was to reinforce the capacity of women judges in the judiciary, adding that, it is safe to say that certain vices in society have greater impact on women and the girl-child, and this forum allows for discourse along these lines.
“I must mention that violent crimes against the female gender include sexual slavery and human trafficking, rape and female genital mutilation which persist despite efforts to eradicate same.
“As such, the forum avails us the opportunity to discuss salient issues arising from policy formation and recent legislations that have the potential of having an impact on women in the society,” he stressed.
Speaking further, Ariwoola observed that, trafficking in persons has become a cankerworm that has eaten deeply into the different spheres of society, noting that the issue largely affected women and as such, the ongoing fight against human trafficking, therefore, remains a task that all stakeholders must close ranks to tackle.
The CJN maintained, “It is the desire of most Nigerians that this hydra-headed monster be curbed. Towards this end, and in light of the foregoing, your conference has been designed to acquaint delegates with emerging developments on combating human trafficking as well as other key issues.
“It is my conviction that this forum will serve as an avenue to enlighten distinguished delegates on global best practices in confronting challenges arising from this special area of the law,” he noted further.
The President, NAWJN, Jummai Sankey, said the theme of the conference, “Ending Violence Against Women and Children”, was in line with the goal of the association to sensitise stakeholders in the criminal justice system on the need to work together to end sexual and gender-based violence, as well as all forms of violence against women and children in society.
“Women judges should therefore not rest on their oars. Rather, this should serve as a clarion call to your lordships to strive to excel in your various jurisdictions, continue to work diligently and serve with integrity to encourage more appointment of women judges to the Bench and leadership positions in the judiciary,” Sankey implored.
