Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Charles Mekwunye, has emphasized the importance of transparency and meritocracy in judicial appointments, as Nigeria prepares to celebrate the legacy of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
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Speaking in Lagos ahead of the launch of a new legal publication, Dr. Mekwunye called for the judiciary to be preserved through the appointment of judges with integrity, intelligence, and a strong commitment to upholding the rule of law.
The book, titled “Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, CJN, GCON Through the Cases”, is co-authored by Dr. Mekwunye and Ayo Olanrewaju, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Chairman of the Editorial Board of the Nigerian Weekly Law Reports (NWLR).
It offers a comprehensive review of Justice Ariwoola’s career in Nigeria’s appellate courts and highlights his contributions to the country’s legal development.
The official launch is scheduled for May 8 in Abuja and will be chaired by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The event is expected to attract prominent figures from across Nigeria’s legal and political communities.
According to Mekwunye, the book critically analyzes Justice Ariwoola’s judgments and provides insight into his judicial philosophy.
He noted that although the former Chief Justice never delivered a dissenting judgment during his career, he still significantly influenced legal doctrine through consensus rulings.
“The judiciary remains the last hope of the common man. It must not be influenced by political or social media narratives. Judicial decisions are grounded in evidence and legal reasoning, not public opinion,” Mekwunye stated.
He also called on Nigerians to approach judicial discourse with respect and understanding, emphasizing that meaningful reform begins with the appointment of principled jurists.
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