During the inauguration of 23 Judges for the Federal High Court of Nigeria, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, emphasized that the country’s constitution takes precedence over public opinion, regardless of its importance or seriousness.
This statement came after Chicago State University denied the validity of President Bola Tinubu’s academic certificate, including the stamp and other items on it, causing reactions among Nigerians.
While many believe the CJN was speaking in reaction to the calls for Tinubu’s resignation, some posited that it was a message passed to the president’s critics.
Ariwoola, therefore charged Judges in the country to always apply constitutional provisions in deciding each case that may be assigned to them, noting that several vitriolic attacks are regularly heaped on the judiciary but that it is crystal clear that public opinion, no matter how serious, cannot override the Constitution.
According to the Daily Post, the CJN further explained that judicial officers still owe their conscience and the generality of the Nigerian masses, particularly those who are looking up to them, the great responsibility of good moral rectitude and acceptable conduct to uphold and consolidate the trust reposed in them.
Meanwhile, yesterday, the Chicago State University testified under oath that the Nigerian President presented a forged degree certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the build-up to the presidential election.
According to Peoples Gazette, the official repudiation of Mr Tinubu’s certificate (the only academic qualification he presented to INEC) came at a deposition of school officials on Tuesday in Chicago.