At a recent public discourse, Nigeria’s Chief Justice, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, expressed concerns over the actions of a few judges tarnishing the judiciary’s reputation, asserting that while the Nigerian judiciary is largely composed of “knowledgeable, upright, and hardworking” professionals, the actions of a minority have cast a negative light on the institution. The discourse, organized by the Movement for Islamic Culture and Awareness (MICA), marked its 30th anniversary and the elevation of Justice Habeeb Adewale Abiru to the Supreme Court.
The Chief Justice stressed that the Nigerian judiciary must maintain ethical integrity, as both the public’s trust and the alignment of the law with moral principles are crucial for justice. “Our legal system should not only administer justice but also resonate with the community’s moral convictions,” Kekere-Ekun remarked, calling on judges to remember their accountability to both themselves and a higher power.
In his remarks, the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, urged judges, especially Supreme Court justices, to serve with the “fear of God” and focus on substantive justice over technicalities. Citing religious tenets, he warned against favoritism and cautioned judges to consider their accountability before God. “When your friends come to you, or when the government comes to you and you tilt judgment in their favor, who will be your advocate before God on the Day of Judgment?” he questioned.
Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), added to the call for integrity, urging legal professionals to remain committed to fairness and ethical values. Speaking at the event, he emphasized the need for improvement within the judiciary, calling for a deep personal commitment to good conduct among judges and legal practitioners.
Also present at the discussion, Senior Advocate Dr. Wale Babalakin criticized the erosion of judicial independence, attributing it to increasing influence from state governors and political figures. Babalakin recounted how eminent judges were once respected for their autonomy but lamented that the judiciary’s independence has been compromised, particularly since the 1970s, when political pressure led to arbitrary dismissals of judges.
Babalakin condemned the practice of some governors referring to judges as “my judges,” which he argued undermines judicial integrity. He recalled an era when judges like Justice JIC Taylor prioritized judicial duties over invitations from political leaders, a time when the judiciary was less susceptible to external influences. “There is no system that can thrive when judicial officers are under the strong influence of the executive,” Babalakin argued, calling on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to restore its role as a moral and legal authority.
Reverend Professor Konyinsola Ajayi (SAN), delivering insights on the relationship between “Ethics, Morality, and the Law” from a Christian perspective, also raised concerns about “lawlessness in the law,” urging legal practitioners to recommit to ethical foundations. He argued that inconsistent court decisions erode public confidence, pointing out that the judiciary should align with moral and ethical standards that reflect society’s values.
Ajayi reminded attendees that true justice must align with a broader ethical framework, as he called for a justice system rooted in moral principles. He concluded, “Justice is the foundation of society, and we must be careful to ensure that it does not become what will bring the house down.”
Reflecting on systemic issues within the legal profession, Babalakin advocated for comprehensive reforms across all levels of the judiciary, including law schools and the bar. Emphasizing the financial challenges faced by judges, especially in state courts, he called for urgent restructuring to rebuild judicial independence and uphold the rule of law.
This discourse highlighted critical issues facing Nigeria’s judiciary and underscored the collective call for reforms to ensure that the country’s legal system upholds justice, ethics, and morality in the face of contemporary challenges.
