Retiring Supreme Court Justice Ibrahim Saulawa has spoken out against politicians gifting judges items such as cows and rams, describing the practice as inappropriate and potentially undermining the judiciary's integrity. He made these comments at a valedictory court session held in his honor after his retirement at the age of 70. Saulawa emphasized that this practice is unheard of in other countries and urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to take action.
During his 44-year legal career, Saulawa encountered several instances where his integrity was tested. He recalled an incident where an influential individual offered him a brand-new Peugeot vehicle before a case, which he promptly rejected. The individual subsequently sought intervention from prominent personalities, including the Emir and District Head, but Saulawa remained resolute and eventually convicted the individual in the case.
Saulawa stressed the importance of judicial officers upholding integrity, honesty, and morality to protect the independence and reputation of the judiciary. He also mentioned that he deliberately avoided certain social gatherings while serving on the bench to maintain his principles. The retired justice praised his colleagues who share his commitment to integrity, while also acknowledging that some may not adhere to the same standards.
The valedictory session marking the end of Saulawa's career was attended by only a handful of Senior Advocates of Nigeria and other lawyers. The low turnout was attributed to miscommunication, according to Damien Dodo, SAN, representing the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria. Despite this, the session provided an opportunity to reflect on Saulawa's dedication to judicial integrity.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, paid tribute to Saulawa for his service and commitment to judicial integrity. She recalled a past encounter where they jointly resisted an attempt to compromise the integrity of their judicial duties. Kekere-Ekun emphasized that the integrity of the judicial office cannot be compromised, and even the appearance of impropriety must be guarded against.
Saulawa also recounted his experience during the 1993 presidential election crisis, where conflicting court orders emerged due to the military's attempts to influence the judiciary. As Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal at the time, he played a crucial role in addressing the crisis by taking control of the appellate court registry and supervising the registration of appeals.
The retiring justice's call to action highlights the need for the judiciary to maintain its independence and integrity. His experience serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by judicial officers in upholding their principles. Key points from his address include the need for politicians to refrain from gifting judges and for judicial officers to prioritize integrity and morality.
Key points
- Retiring Justice Saulawa urges politicians to stop gifting judges items, citing integrity concerns.
- The practice of gifting judges is unheard of in other countries and can undermine the judiciary's integrity.
- Saulawa emphasizes the importance of judicial officers upholding integrity, honesty, and morality.
