In a recent statement, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), issued a stern warning.
She addressed the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) regarding the submission of frivolous petitions against judges, emphasizing the issue’s seriousness.
The CJN expressed her concern about the prevalence of baseless petitions that often accuse judges of corruption. She noted that these accusations frequently lack substantive evidence, undermining the integrity of the judicial system.
These remarks were relayed by Tobi Soniyi, the Senior Special Assistant to the CJN on Media. Justice Kekere-Ekun responded to appeals from members of the NBA Bar and Bench Forum advocating for increased protection for judicial officers.
Moreover, the CJN emphasized the responsibility of legal practitioners to uphold the judiciary’s integrity. She highlighted that some individuals misuse petitions to intimidate judges, causing unnecessary trauma for these officers, who are often exonerated.
Justice Kekere-Ekun encouraged individuals with legitimate grievances against judges to present complaints to the National Judicial Council (NJC). She stressed that allegations of corruption must be supported by clear and credible evidence to ensure accountability.
Additionally, she expressed disappointment with the NBA’s silence regarding unfounded accusations faced by judges. The CJN criticized the trend of lawyers publicly disparaging judges without thoroughly reviewing court judgments, which leads to misunderstandings.
Consequently, she called on senior legal practitioners to mentor young lawyers, promoting discipline and professionalism within the legal field. This guidance is essential for nurturing a respectful legal community.
Echoing the CJN’s concerns, Richard Ahonaruogho, Chairman of the NBA Bar and Bench Forum, advised the NJC. He suggested rigorously screening petitions to filter out frivolous claims, thereby conserving the council’s resources and improving efficiency.
Ahonaruogho also proposed imposing substantial penalties for baseless petitions to deter such practices. He requested the CJN’s support in fostering mutual respect between the Bar and the Bench.
Ultimately, both Justice Kekere-Ekun and Ahonaruogho’s statements highlight the pressing need for reform. They aim to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system while ensuring accountability in handling allegations against judges.
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