- Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun warns that a few judges are damaging the judiciary’s reputation, despite many being upright and courageous
- She emphasizes the importance of ethics and accountability in the judiciary, urging legal practitioners to uphold public trust and integrity
Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has stated that a few judges tarnish the judiciary’s reputation due to controversial rulings.
Speaking at a public discourse titled Ethics, Morality, and the Law, Kekere-Ekun noted that recent contentious court decisions, particularly in Kano and Rivers states, have raised concerns.
Despite these challenges, she emphasized that Nigeria’s judiciary still boasts many upright and courageous judges.
She urged judges to remember their accountability, not only to the law but also to themselves and God, while carrying out their duties.
The CJN highlighted that the justice system is rooted in the moral and ethical values espoused by Islam and Christianity, which promote righteousness and integrity.
She pointed out the critical role of legal practitioners, who must navigate the complex intersections of law, ethics, and morality while maintaining public trust.
Kekere-Ekun noted, “The role of the legal practitioner within this framework merits particular attention… [It] requires balancing scriptures and law with ethical standards, often involving moral and legal questions that may seem at odds.”
She acknowledged most judges’ hard work and commitment, saying, “Our judges are knowledgeable, upright, courageous, and hardworking, but a few are giving us a bad name.”
She also expressed the need for the judiciary to maintain public trust by upholding justice and society’s moral convictions.
The Movement for Islamic Culture and Awareness (MICA) organised the event to mark its 30th anniversary and celebrate Justice Habeeb Adewale Abiru’s elevation to the Supreme Court.