Chidi Samuel |
The chief justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen has warned judicial officers to desist from commenting on matters of public interest on social media.
Onnoghen gave the warning on Monday at the first biannual lecture of the Lagos state judiciary held at Lagos City Hall.
The CJN also directed that judges should henceforth ensure the removal of their personal information online and desist from uploading pictures of their holiday and personal activities on social media.
The CJN who was represented by Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour of the supreme court, said judges who are desirous of discussing public matters on the social media can only do so without revealing their identity.
Speaking on the theme, ”Judicial Standards, Integrity, Respect and Public Perception: A Comparative Analysis From Independence In 1960 Into The Present Millennium,” he called for the study of law in the university to be made a second degree in view of the low standard of education in Nigeria while lawyers who wanted to be appointed into the bench, in addition to 10 years post call requirement, should also be mandated to have post graduate diploma.
These, according to the CJN, would go along way in further advancing the frontiers of justice delivery in the country.
In her remarks, Opeyemi Oke, Lagos state chief judge, said the lecture was aimed at facilitating closer interaction between the judiciary and the bar.
She said, ”The idea of today’s topic is intended to be thought-provoking and to prompt stakeholders in the administration of justice sector to critically assess judicial performance and standards over the years whilst also inspiring judicial reform initiatives.”