By Ikechukwu Nnochiri, ABUJA

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Wednesday, swore in the newly appointed justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Joseph Oyewole.

Oyewole’s elevation restored the apex court to its full 21-justice complement provided under Section 230(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

The CJN, who administered the Oath of Allegiance and the Judicial Oath on the new jurist at a ceremony that was held at the Supreme Court, said the occasion carried “an added institutional importance”, as the court would be further strengthened to tackle the backlog of cases awaiting judicial attention.

“This is no small milestone. A full court enhances our capacity to sit in robust panels, to manage our docket more efficiently, and to ensure that the business of the nation’s apex court proceeds with renewed vigour and dispatch. It enriches intellectual diversity and reinforces the stability of our jurisprudence.

“For a court whose pronouncements shape the legal destiny of the nation, numerical completeness is structurally significant to the effective discharge of our constitutional mandate.

“Appointment to this court is not simply the culmination of professional distinction; it is the acceptance of a sacred national responsibility. The Supreme Court stands at the apex of our judicial architecture.

“Its pronouncements settle controversies, shape the development of our jurisprudence, and define the contours of constitutional governance.

“Its judgements do not speak only to the parties before it; they speak to generations yet unborn. The authority of this court rests not on force, but on the moral weight of its reasoning, the discipline of its processes, and the integrity of men and women privileged to serve on its bench,” the CJN stated.

She maintained that Justice Oyewole’s elevation was a testament to his years of disciplined scholarship, fidelity to the law, and distinguished service on the bench.

“Your judicial record reflects intellectual depth, independence of thought, clarity of expression, and a clear appreciation of the relationship between enduring legal principles and evolving social realities.

“These are qualities indispensable to the work of this court, where issues are often complex and where the margin for error is narrow but the consequences of every decision far-reaching.

“At this level, the judicial function transcends the resolution of disputes. It demands stewardship, careful guardianship of precedent, principled development of the law, and unwavering allegiance to constitutional supremacy.

“A Justice of this Court must possess the courage to affirm settled doctrine where stability demands it and the wisdom to refine it where justice and constitutional fidelity so require,” she added.

Besides, the CJN urged the new jurist not to be afraid of expressing a divergent opinion on cases that are brought before the court.

She said, “Your Lordship is called upon to decide according to law and conscience, free from fear, favour, affection, or ill will.

“Where your Lordship’s considered conviction differs from that of your brother justices; Your Lordship must have the courage to dissent with courtesy and precision.

“A principled dissent, expressed with intellectual honesty, is not a fracture of unity; it is often the seed of future doctrinal growth.

“The oaths Your Lordship has taken represent a covenant, binding in conscience and in law. It demands moral courage when decisions are unpopular, restraint when passions run high, and steadfastness when pressures, subtle or overt, seek to intrude upon judicial independence.

“At this level of adjudication, scrutiny is intense and commentary often instantaneous. Your compass must remain fixed upon the Constitution and the law,” the CJN added.

Prior to his elevation to the Supreme Court, Justice Oyewole served as the presiding justice of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division.

Source: Vanguard News