By Mark Orgu, News/Comments
Some Judges are giving the Judiciary a bad name, is the outburst of the Chief Justice of Nigeria,(CJN) Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. Her comments now joined other Supreme Court judges like retired Justice Musa Muhammad Dattijo, who lamented the rots in the judicial system in 2023, saying, the judiciary he exited “is far from the one he voluntarily joined and desired to serve and be identified with.
Retired Justice Mary Odili, Retired Justice Ejembi Eko alongside others in the past have not hidden their views about corruption in the judicial system and the need to wipe out corrupt judges.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, in her remarks during a public discourse burdering on Ethics, Morality, and Law, last week worries that the reputation of the Judiciary is at stake and urgent steps need to be taken to bring back citizen’s confidence. She also used the medium to address the effects of contentious rulings, particularly those coming from courts of same jurisdiction in politically sensitive states like Kano and Rivers. Her words:
“By and large, our judges are knowledgeable, upright, courageous, and hardworking,” adding however that, it is unfortunate that a few ones are giving the profession bad name. This even as the CJN reiterated the essentiality of ethical accountability, while urging judges to remember their duty to both themselves and to God.
Speaking on public views, CJN Kekere-Ekun stressed the need to consider the public’s perspective, hinting that citizens closely observe how ethics, morality, and the law intersect within society:
“The role of the legal practitioner within this framework merits particular attention,”. She described lawyers as both “antagonist and protagonist in the pursuit of justice.”
“This dual role requires balancing the scriptures and the law with ethical constitutions, often containing moral and legal questions that may seem at odds.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that the public’s trust in the judiciary depends on this alignment, as a legal system that upholds ethical and moral principles strengthens society’s faith in justice.
“Our legal system should not only administer justice but also resonate with the community’s moral convictions,” Closing her remarks, she assured Nigerians that under her watch the judiciary would be revived.
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