Be impartial arbiters in election matters, Buhari tells judges

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the judiciary to sustain the rule of law in Nigeria and ensure the integrity of participatory democracy by remaining impartial arbiters in pre and post-election matters.

He gave the advice on Thursday at the inauguration of the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja.

Buhari at another event recalled how the signing of a peace accord with former President Goodluck Jonathan and other presidential candidates in the build-up to the 2015 elections contributed to the peaceful outcome of the polls.

He spoke at State House, Abuja, while receiving the National Peace Committee (NPC), led by former military Head of State, General Abdusalami Abubakar.

Speaking while inaugurating the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja, the President noted that the judiciary had a major role to play in safeguarding fairness in the 2023 elections and ensuring the sanctity of the democratic process.

He said, “As the 2023 general election draws near, the significance of the legal profession becomes even more pronounced considering the vital roles you play in the electioneering process, both at the pre and post-election stages. I hope you maintain the position of an honest arbiter.”

He said his administration would continue to respect and elevate the rule of law, adding, “Adherence to the rule of law is critical to the progress of any society and this administration has not reneged in its commitment to this ideal.”

While congratulating the Body of Benchers, chaired by Chief Wole Olanipekun, for the successful completion of the complex started in 2008, the President commended the body for keeping the wheel of justice turning by providing a solid foundation for the rule of law, with over five decades of proven track record.

He said, “I am aware that the Body of Benchers is responsible for the formal call-to-Bar of persons seeking to become legal practitioners as well as ensuring the highest standard of discipline within the profession.

“I consider this body as critical to the legal profession. I say this because the membership of the body cuts across all facets of government and the legal profession, particularly the executive, legislature, judiciary and the bar.

“Furthermore, all Justices of the Supreme Court, retired Chief Justices of Nigeria, who are alive, president of the Court of Appeal and Presiding Justices, chief judges of the high courts, the federal and state attorneys general, chairmen of the judiciary committees in the two houses of the National Assembly, leading members of the Bar, and others constitute this body.

“I am unaware of any other institution or organ in the legal profession that draws its membership from all segments of the profession like the Body of Benchers. No wonder, the statute describes it as consisting of men of the highest distinction in the legal profession.”

Buhari pledged to support improvement in the welfare of staff of the judiciary after an on-going review.

He added, “I recall that on the 28th July, 2022 when I played host to the leadership of the Body of Benchers, its Chairman, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, was very emphatic in making a case for the welfare of judicial officers in the country.  I am not unaware of the passion and commitment of Chief Olanipekun in championing the cause of the welfare of judicial officers in Nigeria, as well as the commitment of the body on this matter.

“May I restate my commitment towards this ideal? In similar vein, I have been intimated of the engagement of consultants by the Body, through its Judiciary Advisory Committee, to amongst other things, come up with a peer review of the conditions of service of judicial officers in Nigeria with other countries and jurisdictions, within and outside Africa.

“I earnestly look forward to the completion of this peer review and the submission of recommendations, as this will assist us to review the welfare packages. A society, where justice thrives is one that can be assured of development. For Nigeria to effectively embrace sustainable development, institutions such as the legal profession must remain deeply committed towards promoting good governance.”

Buhari praised the initiative of the Body of Benchers to build the complex, and extend invitation to his office for the inauguration.

Earlier, Olanipekun explained that the idea of the complex was mooted in 1992, and the ground-breaking ceremony was held on November 28, 2008.

“So much time, talent and treasure has been invested in this facility,” he said, explaining that the complex has a 3,000 sitting capacity hall, 240 capacity meeting room, 1000 capacity banquet hall, another 1000 capacity multipurpose hall, offices for staff and a library.

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, in his remarks, said the sacrifices of past chairmen and presidents of the Body of Benchers had eventually paid off.

Ariwoola urged the body to put the facility to good use, particularly, in hosting the call to bar.

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, congratulated Ariwoola on his confirmation, and noted that the Body of Benchers complex transcended a physical structure

He said the edifice captured the essence of the body in the conscience of legal professionals and created an enabling environment for the administration of the rule of law.

Meanwhile, Buhari while playing host to the NPC, said, “You may recall that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and I signed the first National Peace Accord before the 2015 elections. It is my conviction that it contributed significantly to the peaceful outcome of the 2015 election.”

He urged all signatories to the 2023 election Peace Accord and their supporters to abide by its content and spirit.

Buhari said the signing of the First National Peace Accord by the presidential candidates in the 2023 election earlier at a separate event on Thursday was aimed at committing political parties, aspirants and their supporters to conduct their campaigns in a peaceful manner, devoid of ethnic, religious and hate speeches that could mar the upcoming elections.

The President said, “The timing of the First National Peace Accord is significant considering political party campaigns have already commenced in the country. The initiatives undertaken by the NPC are commendable, as these efforts would ensure issue-based campaigns.

“I look forward to the second phase of the signing of the National Peace Accord coming up in January 2023. It is my hope that the National Peace Committee continues this important work post-2023.”