2015: Provide road map for politicians to avoid chaos, Jonathan tells Judiciary.

President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday said the best way to tackle the present security challenges in the country was for the three arms of government, the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature to engage in constructive and productive engagement.

Speaking shortly after swearing in the New Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed at the council chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Jonathan called on the CJN to to provide a roadmap as the country prepares for general election in order to guide politicians and avoid chaos.

And the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed who was also conferred with the National Honour of Grand Commander of the Order of Nigeria (GCON) promised to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor, adding that erring Judicial officers would not be left unpunished.

According to President Jonathan, it was imperative that the judiciary rise to the challenge of insecurity in the country and “provide the much needed support to enable us overcome the challenges of terrorism and insurgency.”

He said the new CJN who has been part of the institutional reforms being implemented by the judiciary would not find it difficult to to build on the achievements of his predecessor.

“It is particularly gratifying to know that he (CJN) has been a critical part of these reforms from the onset, of course we heard that from his citation. Therefore, he is at a vantage position to superintend over the processes.

“I have no doubt that his tenure will witness even greater zeal in reforming and repositioning the judiciary for the effective and efficient discharge of its constitutional mandate.”

“I note with satisfaction that the outgoing Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Aloma Mukhtar, made a solemn promise to the nation on assumption of office, to carry out necessary reforms in the judiciary in order to restore public confidence in our courts.

“I’m convinced that she has acquainted herself creditably well in the discharge of that responsibility.

“As Hon. Justice Mohammed braces up to continue from where she left off, he can be assured of our administration’s unwavering support and cooperation,” the president said.

Speaking on the forthcoming 2015 general elections, President Jonathan said Nigerians were looking up to the judiciary as an impartial arbiter, adding that the onus is on the judiciary to set a roadmap for politicians in order to avoid a chaotic political environment.

“The role of the judiciary in resolving political disputes in the country has been commendable.
The have, over the years engendered public confidence, thereby discouraging resort to self-help with all its attendant negative consequences.

“I, therefore, urge our new Chief Justice to continue to steer the judiciary on the path of forthrightness required to entrench democratic consolidation,” the president said.

In his remarks, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed promised to build on the foundation laid by his predecessors especially the immediate past chief Justice of Nigeria.

He said any judicial officer found wanting on their jobs would be held accountable to serve as deterrent to others.

The ceremony was witnessed by past CJNs, Serving Justices of the Supreme court, some governors and other Judicial officers from the various courts in the country.
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