The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday charged newly appointed magistrates and judges of the lower courts to uphold the highest standards of integrity, judicial independence, and ethical conduct in the discharge of their duties.
The CJN gave the charge while declaring open induction course for newly appointed magistrate and other judges of the the lower Court organized by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja, describing the elevation of the new judicial officers as a testament to the confidence reposed in their ability to deliver justice fairly, efficiently, and with integrity.
Themed, “Enhancing Judicial Efficiency and Quality of Decision-Making”, Justice Kekere-Ekun said the theme was both timely and relevant, stressing the need for speed and quality in the adjudication process.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done—promptly and professionally,” she declared, adding that judicial delays continue to erode public confidence in the courts despite best efforts to address them.
She identified the adoption of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, the use of sentencing guidelines, and the Nigeria Case Management System (NCMS) as key tools for addressing inefficiencies and fostering transparency.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who began her own judicial career as a Magistrate, urged the new officers to combine legal mastery with awareness of the social and economic contexts in which they serve.
“This will enable you to render decisions that are not only legally sound but also socially responsive and just,” she noted.
While encouraging appropriate consultation with senior colleagues, the CJN warned that judicial independence must not be compromised.
“Your decisions must remain your own, rooted in your evaluation of the law and facts before you. Judicial independence is the bedrock of public trust in our system,” she said.
She further urged them to be vigilant against corruption and conduct themselves with humility, impartiality, and a clear sense of duty.
She reminded the judges that “A judge must hear courteously, answer wisely, consider soberly, and decide impartially.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun also commended the Chairman of the Education Committee of the NJI Board of Governors, Justice John Inyang Okoro, and the NJI Administrator, Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi, for their roles in organising the course.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi, charged the newly appointed magistrates and judges of the lower courts to uphold the highest standards of efficiency, fairness, and impartiality in their judicial duties.
“You must strive to create a healthy balance, one that guarantees the resolution of disputes within a reasonable time, while upholding the highest standards of thoroughness, impartiality, and fairness,” Justice Abdullahi told the participants,” Abdullahi said.
“Your closeness to the grassroots imbues you with immense power and responsibility. You hold in your hands the potential to either strengthen or erode public confidence in our judiciary.”
