President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday swore in Justice Mariam Alooma Mukhtar as the first female chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), with a request that she should apply the wheels of justice in the most effective way to fight corruption and terrorism.
He also conferred on the new CJN the title of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
The new CJN recorded another first: she is now the first female individual to receive the prestigious title of GCON in the country.
Jonathan said, “Your Lordship Justice Aloma Mukhtar, as you assume office as the 13th indigenous CJN, be rest assured of our continued support and cooperation. May the Almighty God grant you wisdom and good health as you discharge the function of your office. Let me once again on behalf of out country congratulate you and also confirm you with the honour of GCON.”
Speaking after swearing in the first female CJN at the presidential villa, Abuja, the president implored Justice Alooma to use the instrument of her “hallowed office to ensure timely justice delivery to make manifestly clear that substantive justice will never be sacrificed on the altar of procedural technicality. He noted that “impunity must have no place in progressive Nigeria”.
According Jonathan, corruption and terrorism are the critical challenges facing the country at the moment.
He said: “The war against corruption is another endeavour that calls for concerted action by all arms of government. I am confident that the judiciary under your able leadership will rise up to the challenge and provide the most needed support for government to address there challenges.
“Your lordship will preside over the judiciary at a time of profound changes that demand united response. We believe that the judiciary can play a crucial role as we confront critical challenges. We are dealing with security challenges occasioned by sporadic act of terrorism in some parts of the country. The three arms of government must work cooperatively to overcome this terrorist threat and act in the country.
“Our citizens complain of delayed trial, particularly, in cases of corruption, terrorism and other matters of serious concern. This complaint has led to frequent calls for special courts or designation of special judges to handle them with the required experience and speed.
“It will be your prerogative to consider and decide on this call. But I am sure that the entire country is in agreement that justice delayed is justice denied. I believe that an independent judiciary remains the final hope of our citizens. The independence of our judiciary is critical to our development and survival. Every bold and positive step you take in our march to nationhood is important.”
Congratulating the CJN, Jonathan stated: “Today we are witness to history with the swearing in of Justice Alooma Mukhtar as the first female CJN. I join million of our country men, female and youth in congratulating the Nigerian judiciary and your lordship as we record this important milestone in the annals of our nation’s judicial history. Although this administration has remained focused in projecting women, the learned CJN achieved this outstanding feat on account of her brilliance, resilience and hard work.
“Our administration will continue to accord excellence and give it its deserved place in the service of our nation. Ladies and gentlemen, there is the hand of destiny in the life of this distinguished jurist. From the records, her lordship has always been a trailblazer in her judicial journey.
“She was the first female lawyer of the northern extraction, the first female high court judge from the north, first female second in command of Kano State judiciary, the first Nigerian female jurist to be elevated to the Court of Appeal where she served for over 17 years at the appellate court.
“Today, she has risen to the pinnacle of her judicial carrier as the first female CJN in further service of our great country. My lord, I congratulate you. Her lordship’s achievement is an inspiration to all citizens, especially womanhood not only in Nigeria but also in Africa and the rest of the world.
“The honourable CJN now joins an eminent and exclusive list of achievers recognised throughout the world as beacon of hope in this century. She will, after leaving office become a member of our nation’s highest advisory council, the Council of State. Here, again, she will make history as the first female permanent member of that council.
Commending the immediate past CJN, Dahihru Musdapher, the president said, “I will like to place on record our immense gratitude to the immediate past CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher; despite his short tenure, he made spirited efforts to restore public confidence in our courts. ”
Speaking to State House correspondents shortly after she was sworn in yesterday, new CJN Mukhtar, who recalled that during her screening in the Senate, she had promised to partner with the authority to curb the corruption menace, assured that she was going to lead by example.
On delayed trials, she said it is not the fault of the judges alone. “We have counsel to contend with bringing various applications. We have the constitution also to contend with. Witnesses will not be available and there is a whole litany of reasons for this delay. You just place the blame at the doorsteps of the judges,” she noted.
Maintaining that there was no need for special courts for terrorism, Mukhtar said, “I think I talked about that at the Senate that there is no need for a special court. A judge, two or three in the states, can be designated to take care of that.”