In Abuja on Tuesday, a panel of stakeholders, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria and prominent activists, called on the incoming Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to undertake significant reforms to restore public confidence in the judiciary.
The roundtable discussion revealed concerns about the judiciary’s damaged reputation and the urgent need for reform. Panelists, including law professors Ernest Ojukwu and Samuel Erugo, human rights activist Aisha Yesufu, and other legal experts, outlined a five-point agenda for the new CJN.
Key recommendations included:
1. Reforming Judicial Appointments: The panel urged Kekere-Ekun to ensure that judicial appointments are free from nepotism and favoritism.
2. Addressing Conflicting Judgments: They stressed the need to resolve issues of conflicting rulings by courts of coordinate jurisdiction to enhance judicial consistency.
3. Enhancing Discipline and Accountability: The new CJN was advised to focus on accountability measures to rebuild public trust in the judiciary.
4. Revamping Election and Political Case Handling: Suggestions were made to improve the handling of election petitions and political cases, which have eroded public confidence in recent years.
5. Reforming the Supreme Court: The stakeholders recommended that the Supreme Court only handle cases of national importance, leaving minor issues to lower courts.
Martin Obono, Executive Director of Tap Initiative, criticized the National Judicial Council (NJC) for recent judicial appointments, alleging that the outgoing CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, favored family members and former justices. He called for a return to merit-based appointments and transparent processes.
Folarin Aluko of the Nigerian Bar Association emphasized the need for clear guidelines on managing territorial jurisdiction overlaps and uniform practice directions across courts.
Aisha Yesufu advocated for increased financial transparency and accountability, with prompt and proportionate disciplinary measures for misconduct.
Professors Ojukwu and Erugo suggested further reforms, including removing the judiciary from election disputes and allowing the Supreme Court to review its own judgments amid public outcry.
Justice Kekere-Ekun is set to assume leadership of the judiciary on Thursday, succeeding Justice Ariwoola, who is retiring after reaching the mandatory age of 70.
