CJN charges CCT Chairman to uphold integrity, resist compromise
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has charged the newly sworn-in Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) to uphold his integrity and resist compromise.
The CJN gave the admonition when she administered the oath of office to the new Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Justice Mainasara Umar, in Abuja.
During the swearing-in ceremony, the CJN delivered a strong charge to Justice Umar, urging him not to compromise the integrity of his office for personal or selfish gains.
Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that the CCT chairmanship demands a leader with sound judgment, unshakable independence, and the moral courage to always do what is right, regardless of whose interests are involved.
The CJN acknowledged that the path would be challenging, noting that the tribunal's cases often involve high stakes and sensitive issues touching upon the very soul of public trust.
She urged the new chairman to approach every matter with fairness and firmness, guided strictly by the law and the constitution.
Justice Kekere-Ekun reminded Umar that his ultimate loyalty must be to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the cause of justice, not to any individual, group, or authority.
She stressed that the trust placed in him is on behalf of the nation and must never be compromised or traded for personal or political reasons.
She advised the CCT chairman to resist all external influences and uphold the law without fear or favour, affection or ill will, ensuring his actions inspire public confidence in the institution.
In his response, Justice Umar expressed his gratitude and pledged to administer justice with courage, fairness, and humility. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the CCT's institutional integrity.
With the swearing-in of the chairman, the Code of Conduct Tribunal now has its full complement of three judges, including Justice William A. Atedze and Justice Julie Anabor. This development allows the tribunal to fully resume hearing and deciding cases that had been stalled due to the absence of a chairman.