The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has praised Justice Ibrahim Musa Saulawa for his remarkable judicial career spanning over four decades. At a recent special valedictory court session held to mark his retirement, she celebrated his values and the example he has provided to generations of judicial officers and members of the legal profession. Justice Saulawa's career has been a testament to his unwavering dedication to justice, earning him respect and admiration from many.
The author of an article titled "Judges on a Scale" has expressed joy that their views about Justice Saulawa have been vindicated by the Chief Justice. The article, published in 2023, narrated the author's experiences in the Dutsin-Ma Magistrate Court presided over by Justice Saulawa. At the time, many believed he would not go far as a judge due to his uncompromising attitude towards justice. However, his integrity and commitment have ultimately been recognized and celebrated.
Justice Saulawa's career has been marked by numerous experiences that showcased his character. The author, who was a regular at the magistrate court in the early 1980s, shared two interesting incidents that demonstrated the judge's integrity. On one occasion, an old man appeared before the magistrate for bailing someone who had absconded, and Justice Saulawa ruled that the man was to be detained until he produced the culprit. The old man's response, as translated by the interpreter, showed his respect for the judge's decision.
Another incident involved an accused person who was directed to produce witnesses, and a man walked into the courtroom, was pointed to as a witness, and agreed to testify. However, after the testimony, the translator informed him that he could go and sit down, prompting the man to express surprise and concern about being "roped in" as a witness. These incidents demonstrate Justice Saulawa's commitment to upholding justice and his ability to handle complex situations.
The author notes that their attendance at the court sessions helped them appreciate credible judges and feel bad about blanket criticism of judges. However, a six-part series by Mike Ozokome (SAN) published in The New Telegraph raised their hopes that the sacrifices of incorruptible judges like Justice Saulawa would not be in vain. The series, titled "Critiquing Judges, Judgements: The Dividing Line," provided a comprehensive presentation on the importance of critiquing judicial opinions and judgments.
Ozokome's series emphasized that judicial opinions and judgments can be scrutinized, criticized, and critiqued after delivery, which can help deepen and widen the democratic space. However, he also noted that it is essential to distinguish between critiquing judicial opinions and attacking judges' motives, integrity, intellect, or backgrounds. The author agrees with Ozokome's position and hopes that the concerned institutions will act on his arguments.
The legacy of Justice Saulawa serves as a reminder that integrity and commitment to justice are essential values in the judiciary. His career has shown that standing for justice, as Allah commands, can lead to great rewards, including reaching the highest levels of one's profession. As the nation celebrates his retirement, it is essential to reflect on the importance of upholding the values of integrity, justice, and accountability in the judiciary.
Key points
- Justice Ibrahim Musa Saulawa's four-decade career has been marked by integrity and an uncompromising commitment to justice.
- The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has praised Justice Saulawa's values and the example he has provided to generations of judicial officers and members of the legal profession.
- Justice Saulawa's legacy serves as a reminder that integrity and commitment to justice are essential values in the judiciary.
