The newly inaugurated Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has said that her assumption of office was a new dawn for the Nigerian Judiciary.
The CJN, during her first major official assignment on Monday, vowed that obedience to court order will not be negotiable under her watch.
According to her, no individual or institution, irrespective of their standing, would be permitted to treat judgments of the court with levity or disregard.
The CJN spoke at the occasion of the commencement of the 2024/2025 legal year and inauguration of Barrister Wolemi Esan, the Deputy Managing Partner at Olaniwun Ajayi & Co; a former Spokesman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Josiah Rapuluchuks Nduka, Esq, and 85 others, as Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs).
LEADERSHIP reports that the event was held at the Supreme Court complex on Monday.
Justice Kekere-Ekun said that the judiciary stands resolute in ensuring that the sanctity of legal decisions is upheld in line with the rule of law.
To achieve the new narrations, the CJN canvassed that all hands must be on deck in fostering an unwavering commitment to the full enthronement of the rule of law.
“Disobedience to court orders or non-compliance with judicial directives is a direct affront to democracy and an invitation to anarchy.
“As such, it is critical that we respect and observe all the features of an enduring democracy, for in doing so, we maintain the delicate balance that sustains our society.
“Let us, therefore, work together collectively and tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria continues to abide by the rule of law, upholds the best democratic practices and remains vigilant in the protection of citizens’ rights,
“The rights of every Nigerian must be valiantly safeguarded against oppression and impunity, utilizing the full array of legal instruments at our disposal,” the CJN stated.
Maintaining that a new dawn and a new era in the Nigerian judiciary has come with her appointment, Justice Kekere-Ekun assured Nigerians of commitment to work diligently to improve public perception of the judiciary.
According to her, “Over the years, various factors have contributed to the negative image of the judiciary. However, we are determined to change the narrative and make the judiciary a source of pride for all Nigerians.
“When legal compass of a nation falters, everything suffers including public and international perception.
“The attitude of some of us in the justice sector is sometimes less than salutary and that has contributed to the current image deficit of the country’s legal system.
The CJN condemned the forum shopping by some lawyers which she claimed had let to emergence of conflicting orders by court of coordinated jurisdiction.
To address the ugly trend, the CJN vowed that there will be consequences for any act of indiscretion that could bring the judiciary to disrepute.
Also, at the occasion, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, in his speech, charged the new SANs on honesty and professional standard.
According to him, “To the new silks, I warmly welcome you to the inner bar. It is indeed a remarkable privilege to be chosen and decorated with honour amongst your colleagues.
“As the name of the LPPC implies, the conferment of the rank of SAN is a privilege for the deserving only. Every visionary professional, strives to attain the apex of such profession. Expectedly, the rank is being conferred on worthy advocates, as a prestigious honour, in recognition of their excellence in advocacy and leadership role in the field of law or legal practice.
“Your new and enviable status demands that you must be honest and maintain professional standards at all times within and outside the court room towards the judex, colleagues, clients, and the public in general. You must maintain very high standard of professional conduct in the discharge of your duties.
“Being a privilege also means that it can be lost or taken away, it is worthy of note that under the new rules once a name is struck off there is no provision for restoration of the name to the roll, therefore, you must continue to sustain the standards and qualities for which you were considered worthy of the rank ab initio.
“I wish to remind you that your new status comes with its peculiar privileges, benefits, challenges and responsibilities. Your preoccupation should not just be limited to the privileges and pecuniary benefits associated with the rank. You are required to advance the course of justice, rule of law, promotion of the image or rating of the judiciary and legal profession as worthy ambassadors.
“You should always be willing and ready to exhibit exceptional understanding and knowledge of the law, contribute to legal education.
“The development of the legal profession rests on your shoulders. You must therefore advocate for technological and modern innovations that will bring the practice of law in Nigeria in line with global standards,” Fagbemi stated.
