The Senate, on Wednesday, confirmed Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar  as the Chief Justice of  Nigeria (CJN) to replace Justice Dahiru Musdapher, who is retiring next week. She would be the first female Chief Justice of  Nigeria.
 

Mukhtar, who would be sworn-in next week Monday, admitted that there is corruption in the judiciary but promised to cleanse the system.

According to Mukhtar,  who was interrogated  during the screening,   “there is corruption in the judiciary just like every aspect of the society.  The most important thing is to curb it and lead by example and ensure that others follow. One other thing I would do is to embark on internal cleansing of the entire system.”

She said she was saddened by the poor perception of the judiciary  by the public, insisting that she would try as much as possible to restore the confidence of the  general public in the judiciary after she must have flushed out bad eggs.

She said there was nothing wrong with plea bargaining if it is done with sincerity, saying that “there is no  harm in it, if it is done in good faith and if it follows due process.”

Mukhtar further observed that there is no need for special courts to try terrorists, noting that the court might be idle  as such cases were not a daily affair. She, however,  voted for  a special judge who would be assigned specifically to handle such cases.

She pleaded with judges to be careful in granting frivolous injunctions, saying that there is a directive to that effect and that anytime any judicial officer contravenes the directive,  he/she would be dealt with.

On his part, the  President of the Senate, David Mark, urged her to urgently tackle the issue of public perception of the judiciary and speedy dispensation of justice.

He advised her to work for justice, equity and progress of the country.

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kudos
written by thot4helen, July 12, 2012

kudos to ur elbows, congratulations, keep it up and lead by example for others to follow.

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