CJN Kekere-Ekun to New Magistrates, Judges: Guard Your Integrity, Shun Corruption to Uphold Judiciary’s Credibility
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has charged newly appointed magistrates and judges of the lower courts to uphold the highest standards of integrity and remain resolute against all forms of corruption. She stressed that the credibility and public trust in the judiciary rest squarely on the conduct of its officers.
Speaking on Monday at the opening of the Induction Course for Newly Appointed Magistrates and Judges of the Lower Courts (Batch B) at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Abuja, Justice Kekere-Ekun represented by the NJI Administrator, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, explained that the training was designed to equip participants with the requisite knowledge, discipline, and ethical grounding for effective judicial service.
She reminded the participants that the lower courts are often the first point of contact between the public and the justice system. This, she noted, places a weighty responsibility on magistrates to ensure justice is dispensed fairly, transparently, and without fear or favour.
Guard your integrity jealously. Be vigilant against corruption in any guise and avoid even the perception of bias,” she urged. Quoting Socrates, she added that a judge should “hear courteously, answer wisely, consider soberly, and decide impartially.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who also chairs the NJI Board of Governors, observed that the theme of this year’s course, Enhancing Judicial Efficiency and Quality of Decision-Making — was timely, as judicial officers are constantly assessed by the quality, fairness, and timeliness of their decisions. She encouraged them to balance legal expertise with a deep understanding of the socio-economic realities facing Nigerians.
The CJN further urged the officers to embrace innovations that promote speedy and efficient justice delivery. These include the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, adherence to sentencing guidelines for consistency, and the adoption of technology-driven tools such as the Nigeria Case Management System. She, however, emphasised that judicial independence remains the bedrock of public confidence in the courts.
She commended the NJI Education Committee, led by Justice John Okoro, and the NJI Administrator, Justice Adejumo, for their commitment to strengthening judicial training. She also expressed appreciation to the Judicial College of England and Wales for its collaboration with the NJI in areas such as case management, sentencing, and judicial ethics. Declaring open the second stream of the 2025 induction course, she expressed optimism that the programme would adequately prepare magistrates to meet the demands of justice in a rapidly evolving society.
In his remarks, Justice Adejumo cautioned participants against absenteeism, warning that certificates would not be issued to those who fail to complete the programme. He also reminded magistrates to respect the constitutional rights of defendants, particularly in the granting of bail. “Uphold integrity in your duties and steer clear of corruption. Bail must be granted where the law provides for it. Do not allow injustice to fester in your courts,” he admonished.
