Guard Your Independence Jealously, Chief Justice Urges Code Of Conduct

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has advised the Code of Conduct Tribunal to jealously guard its independence.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria gave the advice in Abuja, when she received members of the Tribunal led by the chairman, Mr Mainasara Umar, in her office.

According to Mr Tobi Soniyi, senior special assistant to the CJN on Media, the chairman had sought the support of the Chief Justice of Nigeria to make the Tribunal more efficient and better positioned to deliver on its mandate.
The chairman lamented over the deplorable state of the facilities at the tribunal but assured that he has taken steps to remedy the situation.

He also requested the support of the judiciary’s leadership to ensure the tribunal received the necessary resources to function correctly.

In her response, the Chief Justice of Nigeria urged the chairman to adopt an innovative approach to resolving the challenges facing the tribunal.

Justice Kekere-Ekun advised the tribunal to work strictly within the jurisdiction conferred on it by the 1999 Constitution as amended.

She advised the tribunal members to brainstorm and devise a solution to address the backlog of cases now pending before them.

The CJN advised the tribunal and the Code of Conduct Bureau to adopt proactive measures, including sending reminders to public institutions and agencies to file their declarations before the due date.

This, she says, will further enhance compliance.

She reminded the tribunal members of their oath of office and urged them to maintain high fidelity to the Constitution.

She urged them to uphold the law without fear or favour, affection or ill will.

“Remember always that the credibility of the Tribunal, and indeed the entire judicial system, rests on the integrity and impartiality of its adjudicators. Let your actions inspire confidence in the institution you now lead,” the CJN says.

In the area of capacity building, the Chief Justice of Nigeria reminded the Chairman of the Tribunal of the National Judicial Institute’s availability to assist in prioritising appropriate training through seminars and workshops for tribunal members and supporting staff.