CJN Charges New Judges to Honor Appointments with Fairness and Discipline

On Wednesday, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), informed the recently appointed justices of the Federal High Court that their admission to the bench signified their acceptance of the responsibility for impartiality, discipline, and steadfast constitutional loyalty.

The justices were sworn in by Kekere-Ekun, who cautioned: “Your appointment to the bench is not an elevation of status alone but the acceptance of a burden of impartiality, restraint, discipline, and unwavering fidelity to the constitution.”

They will have an impact on institutions, markets, public trust, and, frequently, the stability of governance itself.

By taking the oath of loyalty required by the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s constitution today, you have accepted not just an office but also a fundamental constitutional trust.

“You no longer belong entirely to yourselves; you belong, in a deep sense, to the Nigerian people, to the law, and to your conscience.”

The federal supreme court holds a crucial position in the legal system, she said, and it has authority over issues that have a direct impact on the country’s political, economic, and regulatory landscape.

Not only should the judiciary be unbiased, but it should also be perceived as being made up of both men and women whose presence fosters confidence.

As a result of your conscious efforts to uphold standards and shield appointees from inappropriate influence, you are here today; you must defend your confidence.

A worrying pattern of wide, sweeping attacks against the Judiciary in recent years, she said, made her frown.

In certain places, it has become commonplace to level general accusations of corruption against the organization.

Such broad generalizations cause profound wounds, and while constructive criticism is acceptable in a constitutional society, indiscriminate denunciation is neither just nor responsible.

They do more than just criticize decisions; they also disparage the integrity of people who have lived honorably, worked diligently, and performed their jobs with impeccable records.

According to her, the harm is communal when accusations of corruption are made without specificity, without supporting documentation, and without using the existing complaint procedures.

It unfairly taints reputations earned by decades of sacrifice, erodes public trust, and undermines institutional authority. Irresponsible comments shouldn’t cast a shadow over a judge who has served with integrity.

The CJN stated that while the judiciary does not assert its infallibility, it does guarantee that any misbehavior will be dealt with severely and openly.

According to her, the National Judicial Council is still on guard and will not hold back from disciplining any judicial officer who is proven to be deficient because judicial independence depends on responsibility.

“Independence itself must be safeguarded against reckless attacks,” she remarked. Criticism requires accountability. Claims must be supported by proof.

The rule of law itself is at risk when trust in the courts declines, thus institutions cannot be arbitrarily delegitimized, she continued.

She advised the judges to stay focused on their constitutional duties and not let either criticism or praise divert them.

“Now, My Lords, you are in this setting, where there is increased public opinion, immediate commentary, and scrutiny. Your decisions need to be clear.

When justice is delayed due to indolence or bad case management, justice is denied. Therefore, your behavior must be beyond reproach and your courtrooms must be disciplined, orderly, and punctual.

“Enter each session with the assurance that comes from studying and understanding your case files in a methodical manner.

“Let your judgments be a reflection of your clarity of thought and expression; let your ears be patient to all sides; and when you are asked to make a decision, be courageous with principles.”

Additionally, she reminded them that they now live in a world of increased public opinion, immediate comments, and surveillance.

Therefore, you have to fight off all the little pressures, whether they come from relationships, politics, society, or money.

The temptation might not always appear in a dramatic fashion; it could also appear as convenience, familiarity, or influence.

“Remember that perception is nearly as powerful as reality in judicial life, so guard your independence with jealousy and keep a measured distance from entanglements that could compromise perception.”

A modern judiciary must blend principle and innovation, Kekere-Ekun said, adding that the country wants judicial officers to be efficient, coherent, and honest at all times.

The Federal High Court is at a pivotal point in our country’s history, and the cases it hears are becoming more delicate and complex.

Judges should embrace continuing judicial education, learn new legal topics, use contemporary case management strategies, and support the court’s ongoing digitization initiatives, she urged.

In the history of judicial appointments in this nation, she continued, the judges were appointed through one of the most stringent, open, and technologically advanced selection procedures ever.