The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has expressed concerns that some judges are tarnishing the reputation of the judiciary.
Speaking at a public discourse on ‘Ethics, Morality, and the Law’, she acknowledged the negative impact of controversial rulings, particularly in cases involving political tensions in states like Kano and Rivers.
Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized, however, that the Nigerian judiciary is home to many dedicated, ethical, and capable judges.
While highlighting the professional integrity of most members of the bench, she also cautioned that judges must always be mindful of their individual accountability—both to society and to their moral and spiritual convictions.
In her address, the CJN pointed out that the judiciary must be aware of the perspective of ordinary citizens, who judge the legal system not only by its legal outcomes but also by how well it aligns with society’s ethical and moral values.
She reminded the legal community that justice is deeply rooted in the values of the Abrahamic faiths—Islam and Christianity—which both emphasize morality, integrity, and righteousness.
Kekere-Ekun also stressed the importance of lawyers in the justice system. She noted that legal practitioners play a unique role, often balancing the demands of law, ethics, and morality.
Lawyers, as key players in the justice system, are tasked with not just upholding legal standards but also ensuring their actions reflect societal ethical norms.
The degree to which this balance is achieved, she noted, significantly impacts public trust in the judiciary.
She concluded by acknowledging that while many judges are dedicated and hardworking, a few are still giving the judiciary a bad name.
The CJN’s comments were made during an event organized by the Movement for Islamic Culture and Awareness (MICA), which celebrated its 30th anniversary and the elevation of Justice Habeeb Adewale Abiru to the Supreme Court.
