Onnoghen: Judiciary committed to anti-corruption fight

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Walter Onnoghen has reaffirmed that the judiciary under his leadership remains committed to the ongoing fight against corruption and other social vices in the country.

To demonstrate the commitment, Justice Onnoghen said that judges and judicial officers shall perform their statutory functions in line with their oath of office and constitutional provisions.

The CJN, who spoke at the 33 Annual Judges Conference of the Federal High Court in Abuja, however, pleaded for adequate funding of the judiciary to enable it cope with the mounting challenges.

Onnoghen, whose address was read by President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, called for greater attention to the Federal High Court being one of the most strategic and significant arms of the judiciary.

He disclosed that the judges’ conference was on avenue for judges to appraise past events and prepare for fresh challenges, adding that a new reform to enhance the performance of the judiciary will soon be unfolded by his office.

Justice Onnoghen praised the outgoing Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta for upholding and sustaining the tradition of the court rancour free.

He expressed optimism that the incoming Chief Judge that will take over from Justice Auta will sustain the achievements of the court.

Earlier, Justice Ibrahim Auta said this year’s conference was held in Abuja because of its importance to him, being the last one he is attending in his capacity as the Chief Judge of the court.

Justice Auta told the gathering that the tradition of moving the conference round the country was not jettisoned due to financial or other factors but to afford him the opportunity of meeting his friends and well-wishers who may not be able to attend the conference outside Abuja.