Retiring Supreme Court Justice, Ibrahim Saulawa, has warned politicians against attempting to sway judicial officers with "Greek gifts". He made this statement during a valedictory court session held in his honor as he bowed out of the Bench after a 44-year journey in the legal profession. Justice Saulawa emphasized that action must be taken against the practice of politicians gifting cows and rams to judges, a practice he described as demeaning and frustrating.
Justice Saulawa shared a personal experience where an influential person attempted to influence him through proxies after he declined a gift of a car. The individual had donated a brand-new Peugeot motor vehicle, which Justice Saulawa flatly rejected. Despite efforts to influence him, including seeking the intervention of prominent personalities, Justice Saulawa remained resolute in his decision. He stressed the importance of judges embracing a culture of integrity, honesty, and morality.
The retiring Justice recalled his role in the crisis that led to the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. As the Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal at the time, he took steps to stem the tide of conflicting court orders orchestrated by the military. Justice Saulawa revealed that he acted on the directive of the then President of the Court of Appeal, Justice M. Akanbi, by swiftly moving to Kaduna to take control of the appellate court's registry.
Justice Saulawa disclosed that, while in service, he had turned down several invitations to attend social gatherings to safeguard his principles. He noted that some of his learned friends were always present, even when they didn't need to be. A representative of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Mr. Damien Dodo, SAN, expressed embarrassment at the poor attendance of lawyers, blaming it on miscommunication.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, extolled Justice Saulawa's virtues, describing him as "a man whose life has been defined by service". She recalled a particular moment when Justice Saulawa demonstrated his commitment to the integrity of the judicial office. The CJN noted that Justice Saulawa's choices, both on and off the Bench, had preserved the honor of the judicial office.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, lauded Justice Saulawa for his years of service and wished him a happy retirement. They praised his dedication to the legal profession and his unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of justice.
Justice Saulawa's valedictory court session marked the end of his 44-year career in the legal profession. He emphasized the need for judges to maintain their integrity and avoid being swayed by external influences. As he retires, Justice Saulawa leaves behind a legacy of upholding the principles of justice and advocating for a corruption-free judiciary.
Key points
- Justice Saulawa warns politicians against offering judges "Greek gifts".
- The retiring Justice shares a personal experience of resisting influence from an influential person.
- The CJN extols Justice Saulawa's virtues, describing him as a man defined by service.
