Retiring Supreme Court Justice Warns Judges Against ‘Greek Gifts’ From Politicians
Reloaded News Desk
Retiring Justice of the Supreme Court, Ibrahim Musa Saulawa, has warned judicial officers against accepting gifts from politicians and litigants, saying such gestures could compromise the neutrality and integrity of the judiciary.
Saulawa gave the warning on Tuesday in Abuja during a special court session held to mark his retirement from the Supreme Court after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70.
The retiring Justice urged judges to maintain a culture of contentment, integrity, morality and honesty in the discharge of their responsibilities.
According to Saulawa, gifts offered by politicians may appear harmless but can create obligations or expectations capable of influencing judicial decisions.
He described such offerings as “Greek gifts” and urged judicial officers to reject them in order to preserve public confidence in the administration of justice.
The Justice recalled an incident from his days on the Magistrate’s Court Bench in Katsina, when a prominent fuel and motor dealer offered him a Peugeot 504 car.
Saulawa said he rejected the vehicle despite efforts by the businessman to enlist the intervention of the Emir and other prominent individuals to persuade him to accept it.
He also recalled that the same businessman later became involved in a criminal matter after allegedly assaulting a worker.
Saulawa said the experience reinforced the importance of judges maintaining independence from individuals who could later appear before them or become involved in litigation.
The retiring Justice further mentioned gifts such as cows and rams often distributed by politicians during festive periods, warning that such gestures could create situations capable of compromising judicial independence.
He urged his colleagues to continue protecting the integrity of the judiciary and performing their duties without fear or favour.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, earlier commended Saulawa’s contribution to the judiciary, tracing his judicial career from the High Court in Katsina through the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court.
Saulawa’s warning comes at a time when the independence and public confidence of Nigeria’s judiciary remain important issues in the country’s political and legal environment.
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