Sports unifying Nigerians during tough times – CJN – TheNigerialawyer

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Muhammad,
has described sports as a potential unifying factor in Nigeria,
especially during trying moments of the country as an independent
entity.

Muhammad made the remark in Minna, Niger, while inaugurating the
25th edition of the Chief Justice of Nigeria Sports
Competition.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the annual
competition, scheduled to take place between October 30th and
November 12th, was organised by the National Sports Association for
Judiciary (NASAJ).

He said that sports had continued to unite Nigerians “in such a
way that they cannot be separated, in spite the differences in
culture and religion.”

The CJN said: “As you are all aware, sports is very important to
the physical, mental, and psychological development of every
sportsman.

“It is also a unifying factor to Nigerians, especially at this
trying moment of our country as an independent and inseparable
entity.”

The chief justice, who was represented by Justice Aliyu Mayaki,
the Chief Judge of Niger, said that the competition provided an
avenue for staff of the judiciary across the federation “to come
together as one family.”

“This event provides opportunity for the judiciary staff from
various jurisdictions to keep themselves fit and mentally balanced
to face the challenges of the administration of justice in the
country,” he said.

He called on the participants to reflect on the objectives of
the competition and work hard to ensure that the aim was not
defeated.

He further charged them to exhibit true spirit of sportsmanship
throughout the competition.

Also, Gov. Abubakar Bello assured the officials and athletes of
their safety during and after the games.

Bello, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and
Sports, thanked the organisers for choosing the state to host the
competition.

Earlier, Mr Emeka Ndili, President, NASAJ, said that the
competition would feature 10 sporting events, such as football,
table tennis, handball, athletics, badminton, chess, scrabble, and
so on.

Contingents from the Supreme Court, Federal High Court, Abuja,
National Industrial Court, Customary Court of Appeal from Kano,
Edo, Lagos, Anambra, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom judiciaries attended the
inauguration.

Others in attendance were National Judicial Institute, Court of
Appeal, FCT Judicial Service Commission, Body of Benchers United,
National Judicial Council and the Federal Judicial Service
Commission, Abuja.