The Chief Justice of Nigeria, (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has acknowledged that few judges were giving the Nigerian Judiciary a bad name, insisting that the countrys Judiciary is blessed with upright and courageous judges.
Justice Kekere-Ekun stated this on Saturday, during a public discourse on:Ethics, Morality And The Law, organised by the Movement for Islamic Culture and Awareness’, to mark its 30th anniversary and the elevation of Justice Habeeb Adewale Abiru to the Supreme Court.
Kekere-Ekun maintained that Nigeria was endowed with very hardworking and knowledgeable judges, warning however, that judges should remember that as individuals we are accountable to ourselves and to God.
The CJN added that the perspective of the ordinary citizen, who observed and assessed the extent to which ethics, morality and the law co-existed harmoniously in the society, must be taken into consideration.
She added that public acceptance of the law also hinged on its alignment with fundamental principles, the need for clarity, stability and independence of the judiciary, as well as the fair exercise of authority by law enforcement. According to her, the foundations of justice were influenced by the Abrahamic faith prevalent in the society, adding that both Islam and Christianity preach morality uprightness, and righteousness.
In his remarks at the event, the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, asked Nigerian judges, especially the justices of the Supreme Court, to administer justice with the fear of God. The Emir, who said his New Year resolution is not to be controversial, however, urged the judges not to allow hatred for people to make them do what is not right.
According to him, judges should focus more on substantive justice, and not rely on technicalities. The Emir also asked the Nigerian judges especially justices of the Supreme Court to administer justice with the fear of God, and also remember that they are accountable to God.
This is just as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Wale Babalakin has lamented what he described as the deterioration of judicial independence in Nigeria occasioned by the increasing influence of state governors and other political figures over judges.
In his remarks, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) underscored the importance of fairness and integrity in the Nigerian legal system, urging legal professionals to recommit to ethical values.
Earlier, speaking on the theme: Ethics, Morality, and the Law -Role of Legal Practitioner, a former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) said the greatest tool that humans invented was the law, adding that law separated humans from animals.
