Justice Sherifat Solebo concluded her distinguished career on November 25, 2022, retiring after serving as a magistrate and high court judge in the Lagos State judiciary from 1999 to 2022. In a conversation with NAOMI CHIMA, she shares insights into her experiences and emphasizes the imperative for reforms in the country’s justice system….CONTINUE READING....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Was the aspiration to become a judge part of your childhood ambitions?

Becoming a judge wasn’t a childhood dream for me, although I humorously admit to harboring a desire to be a lawyer. It was a fortuitous encounter with a classmate that led me to join the Lagos State Judiciary as a magistrate. Over time, I climbed the ranks until I reached the esteemed position of a High Court judge.

Did your role as a judge impact your relationships with friends and family?

My appointments as a magistrate and subsequently as a judge didn’t adversely affect my relationships with family and friends. Fortunately, most of them have excelled in their chosen fields, allowing for a harmonious coexistence.

The demanding nature of a judge’s work in Lagos, involving daily court sessions and extensive legal documentation, raises questions about leisure time. How do judges unwind?

While the role of a judge is undeniably challenging, judges do find opportunities to relax. In Lagos State, we have designated recreation centers equipped with facilities such as swimming pools and gyms, akin to elite clubs. These spaces provide judges with a chance to enjoy much-needed leisure and unwind.

The debate surrounding judges’ salaries has been ongoing. Can you shed light on the disparities in pay scales?

Judges’ salaries are determined by the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission, and the last revision occurred in 2007. Despite inflation, currency devaluation, and adjustments for civil servants, judges’ salaries remain unchanged. The discrepancy in pay between judges and some civil servants may stem from these long-standing salary structures.

Critics often claim that Nigerian court judgments lean towards technicalities rather than substantive justice. What’s your perspective on this?

Court procedures are governed by rules and laws, with judges adhering to precedents. Penalties for noncompliance are prescribed by legislation, and the court cannot overlook violations. Understanding the rationale behind judgments requires careful consideration, and counsels must be meticulous to ensure compliance with rules and laws.

There’s a prevailing lack of trust in the Nigerian judiciary. How can the judiciary rebuild public confidence?

The integrity of judges, magistrates, and support staff is paramount. Transparency and the consistent delivery of justice through court judgments are essential. Citizens need education to form objective and rational perceptions, acknowledging the inevitability of winners and losers in legal disputes.

Some suggest that judges should not determine election winners but only order reruns. What is your stance on this?

Court decisions, including electoral judgments, adhere to legal prescriptions rather than popular sentiments. The law and precedents guide these decisions until amendments are made.

The judiciary is facing scrutiny over discrepancies in the Certified True Copy of the Court of Appeal’s judgment on the Kano State governorship election. What are your thoughts on this?

After a court pronouncement, it is typically considered final, but typographical errors can be corrected within a specified timeframe. Without reviewing the Kano State Election Tribunal judgment, I cannot provide a definitive opinion. The Appellate Court will address any appeals filed and make decisions accordingly.

Should lawyers be appointed directly to the Supreme Court, or should appeal court justices be elevated?

While my perspective might be biased as a judicial officer, judging demands expertise acquired through learning and practice over time. The Supreme Court, as the highest court, cannot serve as a learning platform, making experience a crucial factor.

How has retirement been for you?

Originally anticipating retirement at 60 as a magistrate, I embraced the opportunity when destiny smiled on me earlier. Conscious of my exit date from the moment of swearing in, I seamlessly reintegrated into society, enjoying a relaxed yet actively engaged post-retirement life.