CJN-Kekere-Ekun Raises Concern Over Judges Denting Judiciary’s Image

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has taken a swipe at some judges whom she noted are tarnishing the name of the judiciary, saying that judges should know that as individuals, they are accountable to themselves and to God.

This was as she said that lawyers as ministers in the temple of justice and with commitment to justice, involves upholding legal standards while at the same time advancing principles that follow society’s ethical expectations.

Speaking at a public discourse on ‘Ethics, Morality And The Law’, organised by the Movement for Islamic Culture and Awareness (MICA) to mark its 30th anniversary and the elevation of Justice Habeeb Adewale Abiru to the Supreme Court, the CJN said that despite the challenge, the nation’s judiciary is blessed with upright and courageous judges.

There have been some controversial rulings by courts of coordinate jurisdiction particularly from Kano, Rivers, and FCT as a result of legal battles among key political actors.

The CJN said that it is most unfortunate that a few judges are giving the judiciary a bad name, adding that the foundations of justice were influenced by the Abrahamic faith prevalent in the society, just as both Christianity and Islam preach morality, uprightness, and righteousness.

Kekere-Ekun however, said that in spite of the activities of the few bad ones, Nigeria is endowed with very hardworking and knowledgeable judges.

She said that the perspective of the ordinary citizen, who observed and assessed the extent to which ethics, morality and the law co-existed harmoniously in the society must be taken into consideration.

Kekere-Ekun said; “The role of the legal practitioner within this framework, merits a particular attention. The lawyer, often seen as both antagonist and protagonist in the pursuit of justice, must navigate a terrain where law, ethics, and morality intersect.

“This dual role requires balancing the scriptures and the law with ethical constitutions, often containing moral and legal questions that may seem as odds.

“The degree to which this alignment is achieved influences public trust in the judiciary and the law, affirming that our legal system should not only administer justice but also resonate with the community’s moral convictions,” she said.