Acting Chief Justice of Nigerian, Justice Tanko Muhammad says no one, either living or dead can influence the decision or reasoning of the Supreme Court.
Tanko's statement was contained in a press release issued by the Director, Press, and Information of the Supreme Court, Dr. Festus Akande. According to the release, the Acting CJN made the comment when the management of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, led by the Chairman, Dr. Muiz Banire paid him a courtesy visit.
Akande quoted the Acting CJN as saying the Justices of the Supreme Court are independent minded and were only answerable to their conscience and God while writing and delivering judgments.
“We take our time in taking notes and writing judgments to avoid making mistakes. We subject every case before us to intense debates and arguments during our conferences in order to be as dispassionate and objective as possible.
“Let me state clearly that we are not answerable to anybody and can never be intimidated by anybody whatsoever in taking our decisions. But for certain, we are only answerable to God Almighty because he is the owner of our lives. No human being, living or dead, can influence the reasoning or judgments of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
“We are very independent in Supreme Court because of the enormity of the trust and responsibility reposed in us by the almighty God, the Constitution, and our dear nation.”
