Newly retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Ibrahim Musa Saulawa, has advised judges in Nigeria to reject gifts from politicians and litigants, describing them as "Greek gifts" that can compromise their impartiality. Speaking at a special valedictory court session marking his retirement at the age of 70, Saulawa emphasized the importance of judicial officers maintaining a culture of contentment, integrity, morality, and honesty. This, he believes, is crucial for discharging their functions without fear or favor.
According to Justice Saulawa, gifts from politicians can be tempting but are associated with dangers that can lead judges into traps in the discharge of their duties. He cited examples of gifts, including cows and rams distributed during festive periods, and noted that politicians often inflate their prices. For instance, a ram bought at N200,000 might be presented as a N2,000,000 gift. He expressed concern that such practices are unique to Nigeria and called for a change.
Justice Saulawa shared a personal anecdote about rejecting a gift from a prominent fuel and motor dealer, Alhaji Ali Bagobiri, in his days as a Magistrate’s Court Bench in Katsina. Despite the dealer’s efforts to persuade him, including seeking the intervention of the Emir and prominent indigenes, Saulawa refused the gift of a Peugeot 504 car. This decision, he implied, contributed to his ability to remain impartial in his judgments.
The retired justice recalled a case involving Alhaji Ali Bagobiri, who was arraigned before him for beating a worker into a comatose state. Saulawa sentenced Bagobiri and his accomplices to a N7,000 fine each and awarded N10,000 in damages to the victim. He noted that the fine was significant at the time and that the victim later became a successful house owner and trader, while Bagobiri’s life took a downturn.
Justice Saulawa charged judicial officers not to accept any form of gift in the course of performing their duties, as this could compromise their impartiality. He praised his fellow Justices on the Supreme Court bench for their camaraderie and encouraged them to continue protecting the integrity of the judiciary. His advice comes at a time when the judiciary faces scrutiny over its independence and impartiality.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, congratulated Justice Saulawa on his contributions to the judiciary, spanning over four decades. Kekere-Ekun celebrated Saulawa's judicial career, which included positions in the High Court in Katsina, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court. She acknowledged his dedication and service to the development of the judiciary.
Justice Saulawa’s retirement marks the end of a distinguished career, during which he served in various capacities within the Nigerian judiciary. His advice to judges is seen as a significant contribution to the ongoing efforts to enhance the integrity and credibility of the judiciary in Nigeria. As the judiciary continues to face challenges, his counsel is expected to resonate with judicial officers.
Key points
- Justice Saulawa advises judges to reject gifts from politicians to maintain impartiality.
- He cites personal experience of rejecting a car gift from a businessman in Katsina.
- The Chief Justice of Nigeria congratulates Saulawa on his contributions to the judiciary.
