Judiciary Integrity And Independence Under Spotlight As Eminent Nigerians Call For Ethical Reforms
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, recently acknowledged that a few judges have tarnished the reputation of the judiciary, stressing that Nigeria’s judicial system largely comprises honorable and courageous individuals.
During a public discourse on “Ethics, Morality and the Law,” organized by the Movement for Islamic Culture and Awareness (MICA) to celebrate its 30th anniversary and Justice Habeeb Adewale Abiru’s elevation to the Supreme Court, Kekere-Ekun reminded judges that accountability lies not only with themselves but also with God. She emphasized that Nigeria’s judicial officers are dedicated and knowledgeable, but urged that judges must be mindful of public perception and ensure a harmonious relationship between ethics, morality, and law in society.
Kekere-Ekun added that public confidence in the law relies on its alignment with fundamental values, clarity, and judicial independence. She highlighted the influence of Abrahamic faiths on societal justice, stressing that both Islam and Christianity promote morality, integrity, and righteousness. “The role of the legal practitioner within this framework deserves special attention,” she stated, adding that lawyers must navigate a complex field where law and ethics meet, balancing scriptural teachings with legal principles. This, she noted, helps foster public trust in the judiciary.
In his address, the Emir of Kano, His Royal Majesty Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, urged Nigerian judges, especially Supreme Court justices, to uphold justice with a reverence for God, emphasizing accountability beyond human judgment. He advised judges to focus on substantive justice over technicalities and avoid compromising their integrity due to external influences, stating, “Do not be an advocate for wrongdoers… When your friends or the government come to you, ask yourself who will defend you before God on the Day of Judgment?”
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Dr. Wale Babalakin decried the erosion of judicial independence, attributing it to undue influence from state governors and political leaders. He noted that the decline began in the mid-1970s when numerous esteemed judges were arbitrarily dismissed, a move he called a turning point. Reflecting on this decline, he described the judiciary’s challenges as systemic, lamenting a “culture of mediocrity” within the legal field. Babalakin urged reform, stressing the need to restore judicial autonomy and integrity, particularly through foundational changes in legal education and practice.
Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), underscored the need for integrity within the legal system. Emphasizing that genuine change must start from within, he urged the legal community to recommit to ethical values, remarking, “You have to be good on the inside.”
Speaking on the “Christian Perspective” of the theme, Very Reverend Professor Konyinsola Ajayi (SAN) criticized inconsistencies in judicial rulings, which he said have fostered public distrust. He described the judiciary as lacking the certainty it once provided, calling for adherence to ethics and morality. “God is the author of morality and ethics,” he stated, calling for an examination of actions through a moral lens to prevent the judiciary from undermining societal stability.
Former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) praised the role of law in distinguishing humans from animals, calling it humanity’s greatest tool. Addressing the challenges in the judiciary, Babalakin (SAN) urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to reclaim its role as a moral compass for the legal profession and called for immediate measures to address financial and institutional constraints faced by judges. He cited the need to “reposition and rebuild” the judiciary, especially given financial pressures on state-level judges.
