Author: The Nation

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has said the Judiciary under her watch was working on efforts to ease out bag eggs among its rank and boost public confidence in the judicial system.

Justice Kekere-Ekun said such efforts include an ongoing measure to strengthen and reprganise the National Judicial Council (NJC) to make it bite harder.

The CJN said although segments of the public hold a critical perception of the Judiciary, it was not in doubt that some judges still exist in the system that are unwilling to play by the rules.

She added: “On the persistent issue of corruption, we can no longer afford to regard our institution as beyond scrutiny.

“We must admit, with candour, that there are some within our ranks who have undermined the integrity of the Bench.

“This must change. The National Judicial Council is being strengthened and repositioned to execute its constitutional mandate with greater vigour, efficiency, and accountability.

“We must be the example we seek to inspire. The robe we wear must never be a cloak for impropriety but a symbol of incorruptible honour.

“With collective will, renewed commitment, and divine guidance, we shall succeed in restoring the dignity of our noble profession,” she said.

The CJN spoke in Abuja on Monday during the opening session of a weeklong “2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts,” being held at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), with the theme: “Building a Confident Judiciary.”

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Justice Kekere-Ekun said for the Judiciary to address the widespread notion that its processes are slow, inefficient and sometimes, vulnerable to external influences, it most take practical steps to improve on its infrastructure, human capital, among others.

“We must confront this perception head-on, not with rhetoric, but with deliberate and demonstrable action that restores confidence in our courts.

“A Judiciary that commands respect must be unwavering in upholding independence, firm in strengthening ethical standards, and resolute in eliminating inefficiencies in court administration.

“We must address the persistent issues of outdated infrastructure, intellectual complacency, and
corruption challenges that have hindered our efficiency and undermined public trust.

“To build a confident Judiciary, we must rise above these obstacles and ensure that justice is dispensed with integrity, impartiality, and transparency,” she said.

The CJN stressed the need for financial autonomy for the Judiciary to guarantee its independence and bolster its capacity to deliver on its constitutional mandate.

She added, “We must also acknowledge a difficult but undeniable truth: the Judiciary continues to operate within a democratic framework where financial dependence on the Executive persists.

“Without genuine financial autonomy, judicial independence remains fragile. True independence is
the bedrock of justice; where it is absent, the temple of justice trembles.

“Independence is not a privilege; it is a moral and constitutional obligation that guarantees fairness and equality before the law,” she said.

Justice Kekere-Ekun acknowledged the court’s role in stabilising the nation’s democracy, but noted that more need to be done to deepen democratic culture in the land.

“It is no exaggeration to state that the survival of Nigeria’s democracy has often hinged on the steadfastness of the Judiciary.

“Our pronouncements, at critical junctures in our history, have preserved constitutional order and upheld the democratic will of the people.

“Yet, at this stage, we must go further. Beyond merely defending democracy, we must deepen it, by ensuring that justice is not only done but manifestly seen to be done in every courtroom, across every jurisdiction, and in every case.

“The Nigerian public, our ultimate constituency, expect and deserve nothing less.

“Their perception of our work is shaped, not only by the outcomes of cases, but also by the processes we adopt, the pace at which we deliver justice, and the comportment we display as judicial officers,” she said.

Justice Kekere-Ekun frowned at the practice where people criticise the Judiciary in the media and make unsubstantiated allegations against judicial offers.

She said, “In recent times, there has been an unsettling trend of rushing to the media to castigate judges over their decisions, or at times preempt the outcome of a case, often without a proper understanding of the law or the facts of the case.

“This development, if left unchecked, poses a grave danger to the administration of justice.
The courtroom, not the media space, remains the lawful forum for ventilating grievances.

“Judicial officers do not speak outside their judgments; they are bound by restraint, guided by
evidence, and led by conscience. When unsubstantiated allegations are peddled, they corrode public confidence and imperil the sanctity of the Bench.

“I must emphasize that while judges welcome constructive criticism grounded in reason and respect, they must not be deterred from performing their sacred duties by uninformed commentary or orchestrated attacks.

“A Judiciary that fears public opinion more than the dictates of the law ceases to be the guardian of justice.

“We, therefore, reaffirm that our fidelity lies not in applause or approval, but in the solemn oath we have taken to uphold the Constitution and dispense justice without fear or
favour,” she said.

Dwelling on the importance of the biennial conference in the light of current realities in the judicial system, the CJN said the Judiciary must not merely adapt to change; it must lead it, defining justice for our times and for generations to come.

She added: “As judicial officers, our duty is solemn and sacred. We must rise above
technicalities that obstruct substantive justice, ensuring that our decisions reflect fairness and equity.

“Let our courts be sanctuaries of truth, not labyrinths of technicality. Let our judgments speak not just to the letter of the law, but to its spirit; anchored in conscience, compassion, and courage.

“The Nigerian Judiciary must be remembered not for rigid adherence to formality, but for its unwavering dedication to the substance of justice and the protection of the rule of law.

“Together, with dedication and purpose, we will build a Judiciary that our citizens trust, respect, and depend upon. A Judiciary that stands not in fear of criticism but in the strength of its convictions.

“A Judiciary that history will remember as the stabilizing pillar of our democracy and the guardian of our nation’s moral conscience,” Justice Kekere-Ekun said.

The Administrator of the NJI, Justice Babatunde Adejumo said the conference was part of his institute’s efforts to deepen ethical consciousness, enhance professionalism, integrated technology-driven learning and strengthen the adjudicatory competence of the nation’s courts.

Justice Adejumo said the conference will offer participants the opportunity to interrogate critical issues that shape judicial performance and public trust.

He added: “Over the next several days, we shall engage with questions of judicial independence and accountability; case management and court efficiency; technological innovations in justice delivery and the Judiciary’s constitutional role in sustaining democratic norms.”