The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged newly appointed magistrates and judges of the lower courts to uphold their integrity and resist corruption, emphasising that the judiciary’s credibility depends largely on their conduct.
Speaking at the opening of the Induction Course for Newly Appointed Magistrates and Judges (Batch B) at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Abuja, Justice Kekere-Ekun, represented by NJI Administrator Justice Babatunde Adejumo, highlighted the heavy responsibility magistrates bear as the first point of contact between citizens and the justice system.
“Guard your integrity jealously. Be vigilant against corruption in any guise and avoid any perception of bias,” she said, quoting Socrates: “A judge should ‘hear courteously, answer wisely, consider soberly, and decide impartially’.”
READ ALSO: Kekere-Ekun spits fire, warns lawyers over social media posts
The CJN noted the theme of the course, Enhancing Judicial Efficiency and Quality of Decision-Making, was timely, as judicial officers are assessed by the quality and timeliness of their rulings. She urged them to combine legal expertise with an understanding of Nigeria’s socio-economic realities.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also encouraged embracing innovations like alternative dispute resolution, sentencing guidelines, and technology-driven case management tools such as the Nigeria Case Management System, while stressing judicial independence as the cornerstone of public trust.
She commended the NJI Education Committee and its collaboration with the Judicial College of England and Wales in enhancing judicial training.
In his remarks, Justice Adejumo warned against absenteeism, stating that certificates would not be issued to those who fail to complete the programme. He further urged magistrates to uphold defendants’ constitutional rights, particularly regarding bail, stating:
“Bail must be granted where the law provides for it. Do not allow injustice to fester in your courts.”
