reform

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, has outlined major reforms in the judiciary. He was speaking at an event to mark the opening of a new legal year for the judiciary and the swearing-in ceremony of new Senior Advocates in Abuja on Monday. The CJN said the number of determined cases was a positive development, despite the ”numerous challenges faced by the judiciary” during the year under review. Mr. Onnoghen condemned the attitude of some politically exposed persons who appear in court, with a large number of legal representatives, saying the development stagnates the movement of activities in court. He gave a new directive that lawyers representing anyone in court, must not exceed five at a sitting. During one of the trial sessions in June, the Senate President Mr. Saraki appeared in court with 106 lawyers. Mr. Onnoghen said the fight against corruption will continue ”more sternly within the judiciary”, adding that persons found wanting of judicial misconduct would not be spared.