Justice Kekere-Ekun concluded by reaffirming her commitment to upholding the integrity of the judiciary, while emphasizing the importance of ethics and morality in the administration of justice.
Abuja, Nigeria – Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has expressed concerns over the conduct of some judges, stating that they are damaging the reputation of the judiciary.
Speaking at a public discourse titled “Ethics, Morality and the Law,” the CJN addressed the issue of controversial rulings emanating from courts of coordinate jurisdiction, which have sparked public outcry, particularly in states such as Kano and Rivers, where political disputes have fueled judicial controversies.
Justice Kekere-Ekun acknowledged the challenges posed by these cases but emphasized that the Nigerian judiciary remains largely composed of upright, knowledgeable, and hardworking judges. She stressed that judges should always remember their accountability, both to society and to a higher moral authority.
“Our judges, by and large, are knowledgeable, upright, courageous, and hardworking,” she said. “However, a few bad ones are giving us a bad name.” She underscored the importance of public perception, noting that the judiciary must consider the perspectives of ordinary citizens who assess how ethics, morality, and the law co-exist in society.
Kekere-Ekun highlighted that the foundations of justice in Nigeria are significantly influenced by the Abrahamic faiths, with Islam and Christianity promoting principles of morality and righteousness. She called on legal practitioners to uphold high ethical standards, balancing the demands of the law with societal moral expectations.
“The role of the legal practitioner within this framework merits particular attention,” she stated. “Lawyers must navigate a terrain where law, ethics, and morality intersect, balancing legal standards with ethical principles that align with society’s values.” The CJN noted that achieving harmony between the legal system and the community’s moral convictions is crucial for maintaining public trust in the judiciary.
The discourse, organized by the Movement for Islamic Culture and Awareness (MICA) to commemorate its 30th anniversary and the elevation of Justice Habeeb Adewale Abiru to the Supreme Court, drew participation from notable legal professionals, including the Honourable Attorney General.
Justice Kekere-Ekun concluded by reaffirming her commitment to upholding the integrity of the judiciary, while emphasizing the importance of ethics and morality in the administration of justice.
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