The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has publicly recognized that a small number of judges are contributing to the negative perception of the Nigerian judiciary.
While acknowledging this issue, she emphasized that these few individuals do not represent the integrity and commitment of the majority of the country’s judges. She reaffirmed that Nigeria’s judiciary remains strong and is composed of judges who are dedicated, ethical, and courageous in their service.
Justice Kekere-Ekun made these remarks during a public discourse on the theme “Ethics, Morality, and the Law,” which was organized by the Movement for Islamic Culture and Awareness to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the movement and the elevation of Justice Habeeb Adewale Abiru to the Supreme Court. The event brought together legal professionals, scholars, and members of the public to discuss the intersection of law, ethics, and morality, with a special focus on how legal practitioners contribute to the pursuit of justice in society.
During her speech, Justice Kekere-Ekun expressed confidence in the competence and professionalism of the Nigerian judiciary, stressing that the country is fortunate to have a cadre of hardworking, knowledgeable, and principled judges. However, she also issued a cautionary note, urging that all judges must remain mindful of their personal accountability—not only to the legal system but also to a higher moral and spiritual responsibility. She reminded the gathering that “as individuals, we are accountable to ourselves and to God.”
In discussing the moral foundations of justice, Justice Kekere-Ekun pointed out that the principles underpinning justice in Nigerian society are strongly influenced by the Abrahamic faiths, particularly Islam and Christianity. Both religions, she noted, preach values of morality, integrity, righteousness, and uprightness, which should guide the actions of legal professionals, including judges and lawyers.
She highlighted the crucial role of lawyers in this moral-legal framework, noting that legal practitioners often occupy a dual role in the pursuit of justice. Lawyers, she explained, are both advocates and adversaries, working to achieve fairness in the legal process. This unique position requires lawyers to navigate complex terrain where law, ethics, and morality intersect. Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that lawyers must strike a balance between adhering to the law and upholding the ethical and moral expectations of society.
The CJN further stressed that the role of a lawyer as a “minister in the temple of justice” carries significant responsibility. As legal professionals, lawyers must not only uphold the established legal standards but also advance ethical principles that reflect the values of society. The extent to which they can align these duties, she said, directly impacts the public’s trust in the judiciary. She underscored that the legal system must not only deliver justice but must also resonate with the moral convictions of the community it serves.
In closing, Justice Kekere-Ekun acknowledged the unfortunate reality that while the majority of Nigerian judges are knowledgeable, diligent, upright, and courageous, a small minority continue to tarnish the reputation of the judiciary.
She echoed the sentiments expressed by the Honourable Attorney General, who also noted that, although the judiciary is largely composed of individuals who are dedicated to justice, the actions of a few judges continue to affect public perceptions in a negative way.
Despite these challenges, Justice Kekere-Ekun maintained her optimism for the future of Nigeria’s judiciary, confident that the integrity and commitment of the majority would ultimately prevail.
