Tackle terrorism, corruption – Jonathan urges Mukhtar
President
Goodluck Jonathan on Monday advised the new Chief Justice of Nigeria,
Justice Alooma Mukhtar to confront the challenges ahead as the foremost
judicial officer in the country.
He asked her to concentrate on judicial
reform and cooperate with the other arms of government to tackle
terrorism and corruption in the country.
Jonathan spoke at the Presidential Villa,
Abuja shortly after swearing-in Mukhtar as the 13th indigenous CJN and
decorating her with the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order
of the Niger.
The President also asked the first female
CJN to work towards ensuring speedy trials of cases before the courts,
saying that justice delayed is justice denied.
He said, “I am confident that you will
quickly settle down to work and commence the urgent task of reforming
and repositioning the judiciary for effective and efficient discharge of
constitutional mandate.
“Your Lordship will preside over the
judiciary at a time of profound challenges that demand united response.
We believe that judiciary can play a crucial role as we confront
critical challenges.
“We are dealing with security challenges
occasioned by sporadic act of terrorism in some parts of the country.
The three arms of government must work co-operatively to overcome these
terrorists’ threats and acts in the country.
“The war against corruption is another
endeavour that calls for concerted action by all arms of government. I
am confident that the judiciary under your able leadership will rise up
to the challenge and provide the most needed support for government to
address these challenges.
“Our citizens complained of delayed trial,
particularly in cases of corruption, terrorism and other matters of
serious concern. This complaint has led to frequent calls for special
courts or designation of special judges to handle them with the required
experience and speed.
“It will be your prerogative to consider
and decide on this call. But I am sure that the entire country is in
agreement that justice delayed is justice denied.
“I believe that an independent judiciary remains the final hope of our citizen.”
But speaking with State House
correspondents shortly after the ceremony, Mukhtar ruled out the
possibility of establishing special courts to try cases of terrorism.
“I talked about that at the Senate that
there is no need for a special court. A judge, two or three in the
states can be designated to take care of that (trial of terrorism
cases),” she said.
On lengthy trials, the CJN warned against heaping the blame solely on judges.
She, however, promised to lead by example and expressed the hope that others would follow suit.
The President later decorated Mukhtar with the national honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger.
She however promised that the judiciary under her leadership would partner with other arms of government to curb the menace.
It will be a very good thing if Nigeria new Chief Justice of Nigeria can tackle terrorism and corruption. It will make Nigeria a better place to live.