The Justice of Nigeria, CJN,
Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun has decried broad, sweeping attacks against the Judiciary as matter of increasing concern and troubling.
She lamented that it has become fashionable in some quarters to deploy blanket allegations of corruption against the institution as a
whole.
Justice Kekere-Ekun spoke on Wednesday in Abuja while swearing in 14 newly appointed judges of the Federal High Court.
She said that, “while constructive criticism is legitimate in a constitutional democracy, indiscriminate denunciation is neither fair nor responsible. “
“Such sweeping generalisations wound deeply. They do not merely criticise decisions; they cast aspersions on the integrity of men and women who
have lived honourably, laboured faithfully, and discharged their duties
with unblemished records.”
She lamented that, “when corruption is alleged without specificity, without evidence, and without recourse to established complaint mechanisms, the damage is collective. It erodes public trust, weakens institutional authority, and unjustly stains reputations built over decades of sacrifice,” she added.
According to her: “A judge who has served with integrity should not be made to stand under a cloud
created by reckless rhetoric.
Let me be clear: the Judiciary does not claim infallibility.
CJN assured that
where misconduct is established, it will be addressed firmly and transparently.
She added that the National Judicial Council remains vigilant and will not hesitate to discipline any Judicial officer found wanting.
She said that accountability is indispensable to judicial independence and that
independence itself must be protected from careless assault.
She warned that “criticism must be responsible. Allegations must be evidence-based. Institutions must not be casually delegitimised, for when confidence in the courts collapses, the rule of law itself is imperilled.”
For the new judges , she said, “My Lords, you now enter this environment; one of heightened scrutiny,
instantaneous commentary, and amplified public opinion. You must not
allow either praise or criticism to distract you from your constitutional
duty. Your judgments must speak with clarity. Your conduct must be
above reproach. Your courtrooms must be orderly. You must be
disciplined and punctual.
Justice delayed through indolence or poor case
management is justice denied. Approach every sitting with the confidence
that comes from disciplined study and mastery of your case files; let your
judgments reflect clarity of thought and expression; let your ears remain patient to all sides; and when called upon to decide, do so with principled courage.
CJN also said judges must resist every subtle pressure, be it social, political, financial, or relational. The temptation may not always come in dramatic form;
sometimes it comes clothed in familiarity, influence, or convenience.
She also urged the judges to guard their independence jealously and to maintain measured distance from
entanglements that could compromise perception.
She urged them to remember always “that
perception, in judicial life, is almost as powerful as reality,” therefore they should abide with the oath of Office and allegiance to the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria.