The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has said that a few judges are responsible for giving the judiciary a bad name.
She noted that while most Nigerian judges are dedicated and ethical, a few have damaged the judiciary’s reputation.
Speaking at a public forum entitled Ethics, Morality, and the Law, organised by the Movement for Islamic Culture and Awareness (MICA), a non-profit Islamic organisation, Kekere-Ekun underscored the importance of legal practitioners in navigating the complex relationship between law, ethics, and morality.
She expressed that lawyers play a crucial role in upholding legal standards while meeting society’s ethical expectations.
“The interaction between these concepts has not only influenced our legal framework but continues reinforcing societal values,” she stated.
Kekere-Ekun elaborated on lawyers’ dual responsibilities, highlighting that they often serve as both adversaries and advocates in the quest for justice.
This role demands a careful balance between legal statutes and ethical principles, which can sometimes appear contradictory. As key figures in the justice system, lawyers must commit to upholding legal standards while also promoting societal ethics, she said.
“The core of jurisprudence involves exploring the relationship between morality, ethics, and law, particularly in light of the historical differences between courts of law and courts of equity, reflecting humanity’s ongoing pursuit of justice and fairness,” she noted.
She also acknowledged the perspective of the average citizen, who assesses the harmony between ethics, morality, and law in society.
“When religious leaders preach, and courts deliver justice, there is an expectation that legal decisions will align with our community’s ethical and moral foundations.
“Aligning legal outcomes with societal values is crucial for maintaining public trust in the judiciary and the legal system. It reinforces the idea that justice should resonate with the community’s moral beliefs,” she stated.
Kekere-Ekun added that, as highlighted by the Attorney General, “although most of our judges are morally upright, courageous, knowledgeable, and diligent, it is unfortunate that a few are tarnishing our reputation.”
The event commemorated MICA’s 30th anniversary and also celebrated Habeeb Abiru’s appointment to the Supreme Court.
Notable participants included Babatunde Fashola, former governor of Lagos; Muhammadu Sanusi, Emir of Kano; and Konyinsola Ajayi, a senior advocate in Nigeria.
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