By Sonnie Nwosu
The Supreme Court was agog on Tuesday, 7th October, during the swearing in ceremony of Justice Mainasara Umar as the Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal.
With words of admonishment, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudurat Kekere- Ekun urged the new Chairman to uphold the law without fear or favour, ill will or affection, and let his actions inspire confidence, promote transparency and administrative excellence.
She charged Justice Mainasara on the occasion of the swearing in ceremony to uphold the integrity of his office and resist any form of compromise for personal or political gains, reminding him that his primary loyalty must remain with the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Constitution and the cause of justice, not to any individual, group or authority.
Justice Kekere-Ekun further asserted that the cases that come before the Chairman may involve high personalities and sensitive issues resting on the spirit of public trust, so he should justify the confidence reposed in him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the adherence to principled, transparent and impartial leadership.
She sternly warned that the office of the Chairman demands of its occupant, a person with a sound judgement, unshakable independence and the moral courage to do what is right, regardless of whose ox is gored.
Justice Kudurat Kekere- Ekun finally cautioned the new Chairman that the trust placed in him is on behalf of the nation and must never be compromised or traded for personal agrandisement in the course of his assignments.
Justice Mainasara Umar in his response heartily expressed his profound gratitude for the unwavering confidence reposed in him and fervently pledged to administer justice with courage, fairness and unbridled humanity.
He stressed his avowed commitment to strengthening institutional integrity within the tribunal and making assurance double sure that justice will not only be done, but is seen to be done properly in every case that comes before him.
It is now assured that with his swearing in, the tribunal has a full representative of three judges that can resume advocating pending cases that were stalled due to the vacuum created in absence of a substantive Chairman of the institution.
Others are, Justice William A. Atedze and Justice Julie Anabor.