The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to defend the interity of the Nigerian judiciary.
She made this call while responding to concerns from the NBA Bar and Bench Forum over rising threats against judicial officers.
Kekere-Ekun stressed that many petitions accusing judges of corruption are baseless and aimed at intimidation.
“Judges are often traumatised by investigations despite being cleared of wrongdoing,” she said.
She encouraged citizens with genuine complaints to approach the National Judicial Council (NJC) but warned against frivolous petitions.
“Accusations must be backed with clear evidence,” the Chief Justice stated. She added that many lawyers remain silent when false allegations damage the judiciary’s image.
Justice Kekere-Ekun criticised lawyers and members of the NBA who appear on television to attack court judgments without properly studying the decisions.
She also called on senior lawyers to guide and mentor young professionals in the legal field.
“The NBA must stand firmly to uphold discipline and professionalism in the legal profession,” she said.
The NBA Bar and Bench Forum had earlier appealed for better protection of judges and fair handling of complaints.
Its chairman, Dr. Richard Oma Ahonaruogho, cautioned against the use of petitions to harass judges.
He urged the NJC to screen all petitions carefully and to dismiss those found to be without merit.
“Frivolous petitions should attract heavy penalties,” he said, urging mutual respect between lawyers and judges.
The judiciary, he noted, remains a cornerstone of democracy and must be defended from undue pressure and false accusations.
The NBA plays a key role in ensuring that the judiciary maintains its independence and earns public trust.
The call for action comes at a time when confidence in the judiciary faces significant scrutiny from various quarters.
