CJN Kekere-Ekun Charges Judges: Uphold Public Trust with Integrity

Nigeria's Chief Justice, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called upon all judicial officers to dedicate themselves fully to maintaining public confidence in the nation's justice system. She emphasized that the public's faith in the courts is not solely reliant on constitutional protections but is fundamentally built upon the actions and conduct of the judges themselves. This directive was issued during the opening ceremony of the 2026 International Bar Association Judges’ Forum/Judges and Lawyers Conference, which took place in Abuja.

Justice Kekere-Ekun highlighted that justice does not administer itself; rather, it depends on courageous institutions and individuals of principle who are prepared to uphold the rule of law, even when faced with challenging, unpopular, or politically sensitive situations. She underscored that administering justice goes beyond merely applying legal rules. "Justice ultimately requires wisdom, empathy, independence of thought and moral courage; which are qualities that remain uniquely human," she stated.

The CJN further elaborated that judicial independence is intrinsically linked to an obligation of accountability. She reiterated that public trust is not sustained by constitutional provisions alone, but by the actual behaviour of judges. "Integrity, competence, diligence, restraint, transparency and ethical leadership remain the foundations upon which the legitimacy of judicial authority rests," she affirmed, urging that "Every Judicial Officer must continually strive to justify the confidence which society places in the courts."

Justice Kekere-Ekun also directed a similar appeal to legal practitioners, reminding them that their role extends beyond representing private clients; they are also officers of the court and vital custodians of the rule of law. She noted that effective justice administration thrives when both judges and advocates share a mutual dedication to professionalism, civility, ethical behaviour, and respect for the judicial process. She stressed that the collaboration between the Bench and Bar is crucial for upholding justice.

"The defence of justice is not the responsibility of judges alone," the CJN declared. "It belongs equally to lawyers, academics, policymakers, civil society, and indeed every citizen who believes that liberty, equality and human dignity are best preserved under the rule of law. Justice endures only when those entrusted with its stewardship remain vigilant in its protection."

Furthermore, the Chief Justice remarked on the profound significance and timeliness of the conference's theme, 'In Defence of Justice'. She stated that it prompts attendees to contemplate not just the administration of justice, but also the lasting duty bestowed upon every judge and lawyer to safeguard the core ideals foundational to civilised societies. "The discussions on judicial independence, fairness in adjudication, judicial education, advocacy, artificial intelligence, judicial appointments and the evolving expectations of modern judging will undoubtedly enrich our collective understanding," she concluded. "More importantly, they provide an invaluable opportunity to learn from comparative experiences across different legal systems while identifying practical solutions that strengthen our respective institutions."