Despite Being knowledgeable, Hardworking, Few Judiciary Gives Us Bad Name– CJN Kekere-Ekun
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has opined the delicate position the
Nigerian judiciary stands as they can be viewed as both protagonists and antagonists.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun noted
at a public discourse in Lagos themed “Ethics, Morality And The Law” that although most members of the Nigerian judiciary are upright knowledgeable, hardworking and courageous judges, decried how some still manage to spoil their name.
The CJN, however, charged all judges to remember that as individuals, each person is accountable to his or herself and to God.
She further said that the current foundations of justice relied upon today, are influenced by the Abrahamic faith prevalent in the society, stressing that both Islam and Christianity preach moral uprightness and righteousness.
She said, “The role of the legal practitioner within this framework, merits particular attention. The lawyer, often seen as both antagonist and protagonist in the pursuit of justice, must navigate a terrain, where law, ethics and morality intersect.
“This dual role requires balancing the scriptures and the law with ethical constitutions, often containing with moral and legal questions that may seem at odds. As a minister in the temple of justice, the lawyer’s commitment to justice involves upholding legal standards, while advancing principles that follow society’s ethical expectations.
“The degree to which this alignment is achieved influences public trust in the judiciary and the law, affirming that our legal system should not only administer justice but also resonate with the community’s moral convictions.
“I will say we take notes of everything that has been said. As the Honourable Attorney General pointed out, and this happens in every sector of our society, it is unfortunate that by and large our judges are knowledgeable, upright, courageous, and hardworking but few ones are giving us a bad name.”
“The essence of the students is indeed the study of this relationship between morality, ethics and the law, especially when considering the historical distinction between courts of law and courts of equity, which reflects humanity’s ongoing quest to balance justice with fairness,” she said.
Being the chairperson of the event,
organised by the Movement for Islamic Culture and Awareness (MICA) to mark its 30th anniversary,
she congratulated Justice Habib Adewale Adiru who was recently elevated as a justice of the Supreme Court.
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