DAVID ODEY/CALABAR
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen has warned Nigerians against engaging in impunity.
He gave the warning in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, during a reception/state banquet organized Saturday in his honour by the state government .
According to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, “we should live within the confines of the law to ensure peace and unity in the country. The law governs every activity of our daily lives. We must avoid impunity.”
Justice Onnoghen said the era when some Nigerians recklessly flouted the law was gone, adding that the judiciary under his watch would be repositioned to ensure that the rule of law, justice and equity prevailed in the country.
On the reception organized for him, he said: “It is good to be home once again. History is made today. I thank the people of Cross River State for according me the honour. I value the gift of the Holy Bible. Continue to pray for me because without prayers I wouldn’t have been appointed Chief Justice of Nigeria. Ask God to complete what He has started.”
He also thanked the state government for honouring his wife, Nkoyo, who turned 60 the day the reception was held for Justice Onnoghen and the occasion incorporated the cutting of her 60thbirthday cake.
Earlier, Governor Ben Ayade, while making his remarks about Justice Onnoghen, said: “We are very proud of our son. Every step he took earlier in life pointed to him becoming a judge.
“God is with you. Nigeria is with you. Cross River State is with you. You are a shining star from Cross River State heading the judiciary; a man of honour.
“You are on the pathway to reconstructing the history of the Nigerian judiciary.”
The governor went ahead to present to Justice Onnoghen a customized Holy Bible, saying “nothing will harm you. Ensure you dispense justice without fear or favour.”
While proposing a toast for Nigeria at the event, former Minister for Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN) said: “Nigeria’s unity is not optional in the Presidential system of government. We Nigerians are a resilient people. We are god-fearing people. Government should be more positive in reaching out to the people.”
Also giving a toast to the judiciary, Mrs Nella Andem-Rabana, said the “judiciary is the institution that holds Nigeria together. It is the voice of the voiceless. It is the bastion of the last hope of the commonman.”
Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN) in his toast to Justice Onnoghen, described the CJN as “a brother and classmate who was born a judge because right from school, he showed the attributes of a judge. He is the first indigene of Cross River State to become Chief Justice of Nigeria.”
He said “no democracy survives with a discredited judiciary. We must support the judiciary to strengthen democratic institutions.
“You (Justice Onnoghen) owe us a duty to reconnect Nigerians to the judiciary. We also owe you a duty to support you to succeed.”