Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has voiced concerns over the conduct of a few judges, stating that their actions risk tarnishing the image of the judiciary.
She noted that some judges are drawing criticism through controversial rulings from courts of the same rank, particularly in high-stakes cases in states like Kano and Rivers, where intense political battles have further intensified scrutiny.
Addressing these issues during a public discourse titled “Ethics, Morality and the Law,” Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that, despite such challenges, the judiciary remains fortunate to have a majority of diligent and ethical judges.
She praised those in the judiciary who uphold integrity, but also reminded judges of their duty to accountability, both to themselves and to God.
“Our judiciary is fortunate to have a large number of upright, courageous, and knowledgeable judges,” she remarked. “Yet, unfortunately, a few individuals within the system are giving us a bad name.”
The CJN emphasized that the judiciary should reflect the values held by society, noting that the public’s perception of justice hinges on how well law, ethics, and morality align in court rulings. She stated that Nigerian society’s foundation of justice is heavily influenced by the moral values rooted in both Islam and Christianity, which stress righteousness and uprightness.
“The role of legal practitioners within this framework deserves particular attention,” Kekere-Ekun noted. “Lawyers, often navigating the complexities of law, ethics, and morality, play dual roles as both defenders and advocates for justice.”
She urged lawyers to be mindful of the balance between legal standards and society’s ethical expectations, highlighting that this alignment is critical for public trust in the judiciary.
The event, organized by the Movement for Islamic Culture and Awareness (MICA), was part of the group’s 30th-anniversary celebrations and coincided with the elevation of Justice Habeeb Adewale Abiru to the Supreme Court.
