A former chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu and other Nigerians have criticised Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for attending a dinner hosted by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in her honour.
Fraternisation between politicians and judges has raised eyebrows, particularly with regards to governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, giving judges lavish gifts like cars and houses to judges, sparking concerns about the potential for undue influence and conflicts of interest in the judiciary.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun became the Chief Justice of Nigeria on August 22, 2024.
Her attendance at the dinner has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the ethics of accepting such hospitality.
The criticism comes amidst a broader debate about the independence of the judiciary and the potential for undue influence by politicians.
Odinkalu and others argue that such actions undermine the integrity of the judicial system.
On Sunday, Governor Sanwo-Olu posted pictures from the event on his X account, saying, “During a dinner honoring Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, Chief Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we celebrated her significant contributions as a proud daughter of Lagos and a pioneering figure in Nigeria’s judiciary.
“As the second woman ever to hold the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kekere-Ekun embodies a source of pride for every Lagosian. Her exemplary leadership serves as a guiding light for women and young girls across Nigeria, demonstrating that excellence transcends gender.”
“We honor Justice Kekere-Ekun, her extraordinary journey, and the promising future she is shaping for both our judiciary and our nation,” the governor added.
But Odinkalu in a tweet on Sunday, knocked Justice Kekere-Ekun, saying the governor has a pending case before the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Odinkalu said, “I suspect someone will tell me Madam CJN’s memory is wonky. If not, then how did she forget that the governor of Lagos State is a litigant before her @SupremeCourtNg?
“How can she call younger judges to order when they fraternize in this manner or she just plainly can’t see it?!”
“I was really prepared to give Madam CJN a chance but this here….? I’ll be plain: This truly sucks!!” he added.
In July, human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, asked the Supreme Court to restrain the Lagos governor, Sanwo-Olu, from imposing movement restrictions on Lagosians during the planned monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
In a Motion on Notice filed at the registry of the Supreme Court on Saturday, Adegboruwa, pleaded for an order of injunction to restrain Sanwo-Olu and the other respondents from taking steps to restrict his movement and that of other residents of Lagos State, on the last Saturday or any other day of every month for the purpose of observing any environmental exercise/activity pending the hearing and final determination of the appeal pending in the Supreme Court.
Adegboruwa is also seeking an order restraining the respondents from arresting and detaining him and other residents of Lagos State on the last Saturday or any other day of every month whatsoever, for the purpose of enforcing compliance with the environmental sanitation policy of Lagos State pending the hearing and final determination of the appeal pending before the Supreme Court.
