Justice Abdulaziz M. Z Anka was among the 22 new justices of the court of Appeal inaugurated by the Chief Justice of Nigeria(CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Prominent among other justices also is Justice Olukayode Adeniyi the judge who penalized the Department of State Services (DSS) for unlawfully detaining ex-Governor of the central bank of Nigeria CBN Godwin Emefiele.
Wife of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom Wike was also among the justices of the Court of Appeal inaugurated on Wednesday.
In his speech, the CJN expressed concern that the country was fast emerging as a frontline crime-infested country that requires urgent attention
He charges the judicial officers to remain faithful to the law, the Constitution, and their oath of office in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Ariwoola also warned them against engaging in unethical practices.
The CJN said: “Today’s ceremony is an indication of the perilous times that we are currently in, which has resulted in an upsurge in litigation.
“Several unfathomable crimes are being committed in the country, aside from the usual political matters that have made litigations go on an alarming rise.
Court in the land is spared of this litigation deluge, as it were. We are constantly on our toes and the dockets are ever-increasing in response to the challenges of the time.
“This underscores the fact that Nigeria is fast emerging as a frontline crime-infested country that we all have to urgently curtail.
“The enormous task of cleaning the Augean stable rests squarely on Your Lordships.
“You must hastily fasten your belt and roll up your sleeves to face the challenges head-on. In other words, you should hit the ground speeding at a supersonic velocity, and not just running.
“You must redouble your pace to catch up with the expectations of the sprawling community of litigants.
“As judicial officers, you have a divine mandate on earth that you must discharge with unveiled honesty and sincerity.
“The next couple of months, we shall be having two governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, respectively. As usual, the courts will be besieged with a plethora of petitions.
“It is our statutory duty to hear all matters that come before us and adjudicate according to the laws of the land. We must not falter, and we must not tread the path of infamy.
“Yes, it is true that we cannot please everyone through our actions and work, but with the right application of the law and the Constitution of the land, which we all have collectively pledged to uphold, we can go a long way to do those things that our conscience will be very proud of, and the generality of the Nigerian citizens will equally be happy about.
Every position we attain in life always avails us that unique opportunity to do something novel and impactful, especially if there was any previous act of wrongdoing or misapplication of discretion,” the CJN said
