The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, and the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Rosaline Bozimo, (retd), on Monday urged the staff of various courts to abstain from corruption.
They said there was no place for corruption in the judiciary and warned workers against unethical conducts to enable the court system to function effectively.
They spoke in Abuja at a workshop organised by the NJI for court’s support staff, including secretaries, registrars, clerks, protocol officers, bailiffs and process servers.
The workshop, scheduled to end on Friday, has the theme, ‘Enhancing the operational capacity of the judiciary staff.’
Onnoghen, whose speech was read by Bozimo, a former chief judge of Delta State, urged the workshop participants to be committed to duty and refrain from personal interests in the performance of their duties.
The CJN threatened to wield the big stick when necessary.
He underscored the need for the workers to continue to improve on their skills, including the application of information and communication technologies to court’s operations.
He said, “It is important to mention that this category of support staff in the judiciary is indispensable in the administration of justice.
“Therefore, I would like to point out that your attitude and conduct towards court users must be that of responsibility and accountability in order to boost public confidence in the judiciary.
“As officers in charge of the day-to-day running of the courts, it is imperative that you display high ethical standard in your behaviour and be guided by the code of conduct for court employees.”
He added, “It is imperative for you all to shun all forms of corruption and its tendencies. Corruption has no place in the judiciary. The big stick shall spare no one; thus commitment to duty and honesty should be your watchword.”
In her welcome address, Bozimo said the workshop was intended to enhance the capacity of court workers to ensure improved justice delivery.
Bozimo, whose speech was read by the NJI’s Secretary, Abubakar Maidama, also warned the participants against unethical conduct in view of their importance to court’s operations and the integrity of the court system.
“You must, at all times, protect the interest of the court and shun all forms of corrupt practices for the interest and integrity of the judiciary,” she said.
__________
Follow us on Twitter at @thesignalng
Copyright 2017 SIGNAL. Permission to use portions of this article is granted provided appropriate credits are given to www.signalng.com and other relevant sources.
