The wife of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom was among 22 new Justices of the Court of Appeal inaugurated on Wednesday by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Shortly after the 22 Appeal Court Justices were sworn in, the CJN also inaugurated 12 new judges of the High Court of the FCT, among whom his daughter-in-law, Justice Victoria Oluwakemi Ariwoola.
In his speech, the CJN expressed concern that the country was fast emerging as a frontline crime-infested country that requires urgent attention.
The CJN said: “Today’s ceremony is an indication of the perilous times that we are currently in, which has resulted in an upsurge in litigation.
“Several unfathomable crimes are being committed in the country, aside from the usual political matters that have made litigations go on an alarming rise.
“No court in the land is spared of this litigation deluge, as it were. We are constantly on our toes and the dockets are ever increasing in response to the challenges of the time.
“This underscores the fact that Nigeria is fast emerging as a frontline crime-infested country that we all have to urgently curtail.
“The enormous task of cleaning the Augean stable rests squarely on Your Lordships.
“So, you must hastily fasten your belt and roll up your sleeves to face the challenges head-on. In other words, you should hit the ground speeding at a supersonic velocity; and not just running.
“You must redouble your pace to catch up with the expectations of the sprawling community of litigants.
“As judicial officers, you have a divine mandate on earth that you must discharge with unveiled honesty and sincerity.”
