CJN Kekere-Ekun Urges New Judges To Avoid Unsolicited Gifts

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned newly appointed judges of the lower courts against accepting unsolicited gifts, cautioning that such actions could expose them to ethical breaches and serious consequences.

According to a report by Vanguard, the Chief Justice of Nigeria urged newly appointed judges to ensure the speedy and impartial dispensation of justice while speaking at the opening ceremony of an induction course organised for them.

She stressed that only expeditious hearing of cases would ensure the continued confidence of litigants in the judiciary.

Represented at the event by the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, NJI, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, the CJN emphasised the importance of synergy between judges and court officials, especially the Registrars and Exhibit keepers.

“You must work harmoniously with all the officials under you and ensure that you manage them diplomatically and technically.You must also read the rules of courts so that lawyers will not take you for a ride. Read everything that comes before you.

“Most importantly, do not allow unsolicited gifts. You must equally avoid throwing unnecessary birthday parties. People will seize the opportunity to bring unsolicited gifts that can lead to petitions.

“As judges of the lower courts, you play a key role in the judiciary. Ensure that you are not rude to your heads of court.

Read Also: President Tinubu swears in Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria

“I will also enjoin you not to use your power of contempt too much. It should be used sparingly, otherwise it may backfire,” the CJN added.

Meanwhile, in his welcome address, the NJI Administrator, Justice Adejumo, while congratulating the new judges, urged them to be mindful of the fact that they have been entrusted with the sacred duty of upholding constitutional supremacy, entrenching the Rule of Law, and shaping the course of justice in the nation.

“By virtue of your appointments, you now form part of a judicial tier that is absolutely vital to the effective functioning of our legal system.“Beyond being the primary facilitators of grassroots justice, by resolving the vast majority of cases directly affecting ordinary Nigerian citizens, the Lower Courts act as crucial filters that streamline the workload of the Superior Courts, thereby enhancing overall efficiency.

“Consequently, the competence of those chosen to man these Courts is of paramount importance to the administration of justice.

“As you step forward to discharge your statutory functions, capacity-building initiatives like this are structured to provide the solid foundation needed to ease your transition to the Bench,” the NJI Administrator stated.

He said the essence of the induction course was to instill the core values of judicial conduct, ethics, and social context awareness.

“Furthermore, it is designed to offer deeper insights into courtroom dynamics, alongside the practical application of substantive and procedural laws within the adjudicatory sphere,” Justice Adejumo added.