In view of the
security challenges confronting the country, Nigeria’s president Goodluck
Jonathan has stressed the need for Judiciary to speed up trial of terrorism and
corruption cases.
The president
stated this in a speech delivered in Abuja on Monday at the swearing in of
Justice
Aloma Muktar as
the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria, (CJN)
The president
further urged the new CJN to make good her pledge during the confirmation
hearing in
the senate to
quickly embark on reforms that will reposition the judiciary for “effective and
efficient
discharge of its
constitutional mandate.”
His words:
“Your Lordship
will preside over the Judiciary at a time of profound changes that demand a
united response. We believe that the Judiciary can play a crucial role as we
confront critical challenges and embrace significant opportunities.
“We are dealing
with security challenges occasioned by sporadic acts of terrorism in some parts
of the country. The three arms of government must work cooperatively to
overcome these terrorist threats and acts in the country. The war against
corruption is another endeavour that calls for concerted action by all arms of
government.
“Our citizens
complain of lengthy trials particularly in cases of corruption, terrorism and
other matters of serious public concern.
“These complaints
have 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 these calls but I am sure the entire
country is in agreement that Justice delayed is justice denied.”