Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), informed the recently appointed Federal High Court judges on Wednesday that their appointment to the bench signified their acceptance of the responsibility for impartiality, discipline, and unflinching constitutional loyalty.
“Your appointment to the bench is not an elevation of status alone but the acceptance of a burden of impartiality, restraint, discipline, and unwavering fidelity to the constitution,” Kekere-Ekun said as she swore in the judges.
They will have an impact on public trust, institutions, markets, and, frequently, the stability of governance itself.
You have sworn the oath of loyalty required by the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s constitution today, and by saying those solemn words, you have undertaken a sacred constitutional trust rather than just an office.
“As of right now, you no longer belong entirely to yourselves; in a deep sense, you belong to the Nigerian people, the law, and your conscience.”
She pointed out that the federal supreme court plays a crucial role in the legal system and has jurisdiction over issues that have a direct impact on the country’s political, economic, and regulatory landscape.
In addition to being unbiased, the judiciary must be perceived as being made up of both men and women whose presence fosters confidence.
You must defend your confidence because your presence here today is the result of a conscious attempt to raise standards and shield appointments from undue influence.
She expressed disapproval of what she called a concerning trend of wide-ranging assaults on the judiciary in recent years.
In some places, making general accusations of corruption against the organization as a whole has grown popular.
In a constitutional democracy, constructive criticism is acceptable, but indiscriminate criticism is unfair and irresponsible; such broad generalizations cause profound wounds.
“They do more than just criticize decisions; they shame men and women who have lived honorably, worked diligently, and performed their duties with impeccable records.”
She pointed out that the harm is communal when accusations of corruption are made without specificity, without supporting documentation, and without using the channels for formal complaints.
It damages institutional authority, erodes public trust, and unfairly taints reputations earned during decades of selflessness. It is not appropriate to cast a judge who has served honorably beneath a cloud of careless hyperbole.
The CJN stated that while the judiciary does not assert its infallibility, it guarantees that any misbehavior will be dealt with forcefully and openly.
She stated that as accountability is essential to judicial independence, the National Judicial Council is still on guard and would not think twice about disciplining any judicial officer who is proven to be deficient.
According to her, independence itself needs to be shielded from reckless attacks. Criticism needs to be accountable. Allegations must be evidence-based.
“Institutions must not be delegitimized carelessly because the rule of law itself is at risk when trust in the courts declines,” she continued.
She asked the judges to keep their focus on their constitutional duties and not let either praise or criticism divert them.
“My Lords, you now come into this setting, which is one of increased public opinion, immediate comments, and examination. Your judgments need to be clear.
“Your behavior must be above reproach, and your courtrooms must be disciplined, orderly, and on time because justice denied is justice postponed due to laziness or subpar case management.
“Enter each session with the assurance that results from diligent research and case file expertise.
“When you are asked to make a decision, do so with courage and principle; let your judgments reflect clarity of thought and expression; and let your ears remain patient to all sides.”
She also reminded them that they now live in a world of more public opinion, immediate commentary, and scrutiny.
Therefore, it is imperative that you oppose all forms of subtle pressure, whether they be relational, social, political, or economical.
Sometimes the temptation is disguised as familiarity, influence, or convenience rather than taking on a spectacular appearance.
“Guard your independence jealously, maintain measured distance from entanglements that could compromise perception and remember always that perception, in judicial life, is almost as powerful as reality.’’
According to Kekere-Ekun, a modern judiciary must blend principle and innovation because the public expects judicial officers to be efficient, coherent, and honest at all times.
The Federal High Court’s docket is growing more sensitive and complex at a pivotal point in our country’s history.
She encouraged judges to support continuous efforts to digitize the court, embrace continuing judicial education, grasp developing legal fields, and adopt contemporary case management strategies.
The justices were chosen through one of the most stringent, open, and technologically advanced selection procedures in our nation’s history of judicial nominations, she continued.
