CJN urges Nigerians to shun impunity

He urged Nigerians to do things within the ambit of the law, “as this is the law that governs the activities of our daily life.” Onnoghen appealed to Nigerians to shun impunity and acts that were inimical to the promotion of unity and development of the country. He said, “I urge every Nigerian home and abroad to try and live within the confines of the law of the land and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. If we are able to do just that, we will be sure of ensuring that peace and unity reign in the country. “If we do that we would have succeeded in helping the judiciary to do better justice when the need arises. This is because when we live by the law and not just impunity that is the only way forward. “The time has come when all acts of lawlessness will no longer be tolerated by the law as it is bigger than every man and not a respecter of anyone in the country. It is no longer fashionable for people to do things contrary to the law of the land and get away with it simply because they know how to buy their ways.” Onnoghen, who had earlier received a gift of the Holy Bible from the state Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, said, “I value this gift of the Holy Bible. In fact, I am becoming a collector. Yes, it is a gift that I have been receiving because the word of God is life.” He disclosed that he had initially planned to be a lawyer and not a judge. “I wanted to become a lawyer at all costs, but never wanted to be a judge. The decision was taken or made for me. I thank God for my humility after realising that there was no other way for me except to do that which I ought to do. I have no regret at all,” he said. Earlier in his remarks, Ayade had, while presenting the Holy Bible, prayed that God would grant the Chief Justice of Nigeria the wisdom to discharge his responsibility with His fear that was devoid of ethnic or religion affinity. The event attracted dignitaries including the Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Bello, former governors of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke and Senator Liyel Imoke, the Chairman, Niger Delta Development Commission, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, and the chairman of the event’s Planning Committee, Chief Ekpo Okon.]]>