Supreme Court nominee Justice Hafisata Amaleboba has cautioned judges who also serve as traditional leaders to refrain from making political statements that could compromise their neutrality.
Speaking during her vetting by Parliament's Appointments Committee on Wednesday, June 18, she emphasised the importance of judicial restraint, especially when judges hold dual roles. "As a judge and a chief, you ought to be measured in your commentaries on politics, especially in support of one party or the other.
I believe that the judge should be able to measure in their language," she stated.
She explained that the judiciary permits judges to serve as chiefs only with the express approval of the Judicial Council-a measure designed to protect the independence and neutrality of both the bench and the chieftaincy institution. "The chiefs of the judiciary serve as chief with the permission of the Judicial Council.
