CJN Decries Decline In Ethical Standards Among Lawyers, Calls For Urgent Reforms
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has raised concerns over the declining adherence to ethical principles in the legal profession and among lawyers, emphasising the urgent need for reforms.
Speaking at the public presentation of the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) report on Wednesday at the Body of Benchers’ Complex in Abuja, Justice Kekere-Ekun lamented the growing challenges facing professional ethics and discipline among lawyers.
She urged legal practitioners to reaffirm their commitment to ethics, discipline, and professional responsibility. She stresses that maintaining high standards is crucial for the integrity of the legal profession.
“The Body of Benchers, as the apex institution of the legal profession in Nigeria, is uniquely positioned to lead this charge,” the CJN stated.
“The responsibility of upholding the legal profession’s sanctity rests heavily on its shoulders, and I have no doubt that the body will continue to rise to the occasion.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun also emphasized the importance of enforcing professional discipline through the LPDC. She called for fairness, transparency, and unwavering resolve in handling disciplinary matters.
The CJN, who chaired the inaugural edition of the Body of Benchers’ annual lecture, commended the Chairman, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN). Also, she commended its members for their dedication in initiating the lecture series.
She described the lecture valuable for intellectual engagement, critical discourse, and introspection on role of BOB in maintaining legal ethics.
According to Justice Kekere-Ekun, the annual lecture aims to foster a better understanding of the Body of Benchers’ role, both nationally and internationally. While evaluating ethical standards and strengthening public confidence in the judiciary and legal practice.
She urged stakeholders to sustain and expand the initiative. Therefore, ensuring it sets benchmarks in professional ethics, continuous legal education, and justice sector reforms.
The maiden edition of the annual lecture was themed ‘Half-A-Century of the Body of Benchers: The Past, The Present, and The Future of Maintaining the Ethics of the Legal Profession in Nigeria.’
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