Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has broken his silence regarding his judicial decisions during his tenure, asserting that every judgment he delivered was rooted in fairness and divine guidance.
Clear Conscience in Judicial Service
In an exclusive interview with PUNCH newspaper conducted in Lagos, the retired jurist who served as Nigeria's Chief Justice from 2022 to 2024 maintained that his conscience remains completely clear about all decisions made throughout his distinguished career. Justice Ariwoola emphasized that he handled every case with the fear of God and without any external influence, basing his rulings strictly on legal merits and evidence presented before the court.
The former CJN recounted his extensive judicial experience, which included serving on Election Petition Tribunals in Zamfara and Enugu States back in 1999. He also presided over Election Appeal Courts in multiple locations across Nigeria, including Port Harcourt, Enugu, Benin, Yola, and Ilorin.
Armed Robbery Tribunal Leadership
Justice Ariwoola revealed his significant role as Chairman of the Armed Robbery Tribunal for approximately three years at the trial court level. During this period, he stated that he delivered judgments he described as both just and lawful, ensuring that those deserving conviction received appropriate sentences while those who should be freed were properly discharged.
"I handled cases strictly on merit throughout my judicial career," the former Chief Justice declared. "I also served as Chairman of the Armed Robbery Tribunal for about three years at the trial court, where I delivered judgments based on evidence and the law, without bias. Those deserving of conviction were sentenced, and those who should be freed were discharged. I did so with a clear conscience and without regret."
Addressing National Unity and Security Concerns
Responding to questions about Nigeria's security challenges and allegations of religious persecution, Justice Ariwoola firmly stated that the crisis facing Nigeria has no connection to religion. He urged citizens to reject divisive narratives and work collectively toward national peace and stability.
"The Boko Haram issue is not religious. Kidnapping and terrorism have nothing to do with religion," he asserted. The former CJN shared personal insights about his own interfaith experiences, noting that he frequently attends church services and has deep connections with Christian community.
"I attend church when I can. My eldest sister, from the same mother, was a Baptist, and I used to go to church with her. There is no Christian song I cannot sing with them. Neither Christians nor Muslims should be against each other because our God is a God of peace."
Government Response to Trump's Allegations
The interview comes amid international attention on Nigeria following claims by United States President Donald Trump about widespread killings of Christians in the country. Nigeria's Foreign Ministry has already responded to these allegations, stating that Trump's claims do not reflect the actual situation on ground.
Meanwhile, former Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant-General Abdulrahman Dambazau has suggested that the United States might be using these allegations as pretext for establishing military presence in Nigeria. Dambazau shared these concerns during the seventh annual public lecture of the Just Friends Club of Nigeria in Abuja, where he addressed the country's ongoing security challenges.
Justice Ariwoola's comments represent a significant intervention from Nigeria's judicial community at a time when the country faces both internal security challenges and international scrutiny. His message of unity and clarification about his judicial record provides important perspective on Nigeria's current situation.
