The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday cautioned judges in opposition to practices that would undermine the integrity of judicial proceedings because the nation prepares for the 2027 common elections.
Justice Kekere-Ekun spoke through the opening session of the 2026 roundtable for heads of courts, organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja.
She recognized such practices to incorporate discussion board procuring, concealment of associated proceedings and makes an attempt to acquire conflicting orders from courts of coordinate jurisdiction.
The CJN mentioned the problems required explicit consideration because the nation approached one other election season, noting that election-related disputes usually attracted intense public curiosity and appreciable strain on the courts.
“The judiciary must be prepared to discharge its constitutional responsibilities with impartiality, courage and fidelity to the law.
“Political sensitivity, public sentiment or the urgency with which a matter is presented must never displace the careful application of the constitution, the Electoral Act and the applicable rules of court.
“I urge your lordships to ensure that appropriate administrative
arrangements are in place to facilitate the timely and orderly handling of election-related matters,” she mentioned.
According to CJN, judicial officers should be reminded of the necessity to scrutinise functions rigorously, insist on full and frank disclosure of related information, pay due regard to associated proceedings and resist any try to make use of pressing functions or ex parte orders to safe an improper benefit.
“The integrity of judicial proceedings must not be compromised by competing political interests or pressure from any quarter.
“Forum shopping is particularly damaging because it undermines consistency, encourages abuse of process and exposes the Judiciary to avoidable public controversy.
“Your lordships must therefore ensure that existing procedural safeguards are observed and that appropriate steps are taken whenever attempts to circumvent established judicial processes come to light.
“No litigant should be permitted to manipulate the judicial system in search of a favourable decision.
“Public confidence in the judiciary will be tested during this period,” she mentioned.
Kerere-Ekun reminded the heads of courts to offer the management essential to make sure that election-related circumstances are dealt with competently, expeditiously and strictly in accordance with the legislation.
She mentioned the target is to make sure that the courts remained neutral arbiters of disputes, free from political affect and guided solely by the information, the relevant legislation and the calls for of justice.
She additionally spoke on the necessity for judges to all the time guarantee immediate dedication of circumstances, noting that the well timed dedication of circumstances stays some of the urgent challenges confronting the judiciary.
She mentioned delay imposes monetary and emotional burdens on litigants, diminishes the sensible worth of judicial treatments and weakens public confidence within the justice system.
On courtroom conduct, she mentioned judicial authority is finest exercised with “fairness, composure and respect.
“Every litigant, regardless of social status, financial means or education, deserves dignity, while lawyers are entitled to courteous treatment.
“Firmness and courtesy are entirely compatible. A judge can control proceedings without humiliating counsel or a litigant,” she mentioned.
Speaking earlier, the Administrator of the (NJI), Justice Babatunde Adejumo (rtd.), mentioned the judiciary, as custodian of justice and guardian of the rule of legislation, is below fixed public scrutiny, putting a heavy duty on these steering its affairs to safeguard its picture and form constructive public perceptions.
Justice Adejumo, who’s the instant previous President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), mentioned the annual roundtable supplies a platform for candid change, figuring out cross-cutting challenges and collectively growing options.
He added that the programme was intentionally designed with minimal exterior intervention in order that the Heads of courts would direct discussions and decide outcomes.
Justice Adejumo praised the CJN for the numerous reforms she had launched, which he mentioned had entrenched judicial independence and enhanced integrity throughout all ranges of the judiciary.(NAN)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
