- Swears in Kekere-Ekun as 23rd substantive CJN
- Says judiciary crucial pillar of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy
- CJN talks tough, vows obedience to court orders non-negotiable
President Bola Tinubu on Monday affirmed his government’s commitment to respecting the independence of the judiciary, vowing never to interfere or abuse the relationship between the executive and judiciary.
Speaking while administering the oath of office on Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the 23rd substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria at the State House, Abuja, the president described the judiciary as a crucial pillar of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, the second female CJN in Nigeria’s history, was sworn in following her confirmation last week by the Senate.
President Tinubu acknowledged the judiciary’s role as a moderating force, ensuring that everyone remains in check and as the last hope of the common man, sustaining people’s confidence in democracy.
He stressed that his administration will preserve the sanctity of the judiciary, recognizing the importance of its independence, even as he pledged to respect the clear line demarcating the executive and judiciary.
“The judiciary is an important pillar constituting the tripod that holds our constitutional democracy. Indeed, the Nigerian judiciary, at various times in history, has proven to be the moderating force ensuring everyone remains in check.
“Your role as the last hope of the common man serves to sustain our people’s confidence in democracy, knowing well that there is an important arbiter that can always give them redress if they are wronged.
“For this function, it is important that our judiciary remains truly independent. It is my administration’s total commitment to preserve the sanctity of the judiciary.
“While we may have reasons to interface as complementing components of the same government, under my watch, the government will also be mindful of the clear line demarcating the two of us.
“We will never interfere or abuse the relationship between us as separate organs of government in our democracy. This is important for sustaining our constitutional democracy.”
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s dedication to improving judicial officers’ welfare and working conditions, noting that the recent decisions to enhance their effectiveness in administering justice.
He urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to continue upholding the principles of ethical leadership, fearlessness and honesty that have defined her career.
According to him, “The Nigerian judiciary needs a leader with these qualities at this time, and I have no doubt that you will set the pace for others to follow.”
The president hailed Justice Kekere-Ekun’s rise as a testament to hard work and an inspiration to women, particularly young girls, in a male-dominated profession.
“This day has also cemented the judiciary as a self-evolving and progressive institution. I specifically congratulate the Nigerian women. Any girl child can dream big and have her dreams come true. It is worth celebrating,” he said.
President Tinubu also acknowledged the presence of Justice Kekere-Ekun’s 89-year-old mother, Wilfred Layiwola Ogundimu (nee Savage), and other family members led by Justice Kekere-Ekun’s husband, Akin Kekere-Ekun.
The president commended the Senate for expediting the confirmation of the new CJN and thanked members of the judiciary for their continued support.
Speaking to newsmen after the ceremony, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, charged Kekere-Ekun to collaborate with other arms of government to ensure stability and consistency in the judiciary.
He expressed concern over conflicting decisions at lower courts and the Court of Appeal, emphasizing the need for predictability and adherence to superior court decisions, noting that this inconsistency is worrisome and needs to be addressed.
The Senate President also highlighted the pressing issue of prison decongestion, citing the alarming number of people awaiting trial, particularly in land matters.
He noted that many individuals spend years in prison, only to be sentenced to shorter terms, emphasizing the need to speed up the justice system.
Akpabio emphasized that the National Assembly is committed to supporting the judiciary in implementing reforms, outlining key areas requiring attention, including prison decongestion, judicial consistency, and speedy justice.
Also speaking to journalists, a former CJN, Justice Aloma Muktar (rtd), counselled the newly sworn in CJN to trust God to help her in her new role, noting that her reputation for always following the right path will make it easy.
“Well, I will tell her to hold on to God and to try and follow whatever path, which I am sure will be the right path. She should follow it, and if at any time she has a problem or a challenge, she should pray over it and God, seeing that she always follows the right path, will make the situation clear to her.”
On how she thinks Kekere-Ekun should navigate working with politicians, she said, “It’s up to her. If she wants to be firm, she will have no problem, but if she decides to be going here, there, then that is where the problem will start.”
On what the attainment of the height should mean for the women folk, Aloma said, “They should be happy, just the way I’m happy. I’ve been looking forward to this day and God has made it possible in my lifetime. So all the women will be happy, I’m sure.”
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; former CJNs, justices of the Supreme Court, senior judicial officers and members of the Federal Executive Council attended the event.
Four of Kekere-Ekun’s predecessors in attendance included Justice Aloma Muktar, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, Justice Walter Onnoghen, and Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
CJN talks tough, says obedience to court orders non-negotiable
Barely a few hours after she was sworn in as the new CJN, Justice Kekere-Ekun has read the riot act against litigants in the habit of disobeying court orders, warning of dire consequences.
Kekere-ekun, who sounded the warning on Monday at the commencement of the 2024/2025 new legal year of the apex court and the swearing-in of 87 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), also expressed her determination to redeem the bartered image of the judiciary.
“This is a new dawn and a new era in the Nigerian Judiciary. I wish to assure my fellow Nigerian citizens that we are committed to working more diligently to improve public perception of the Nigerian Judiciary,” the CJN said.
While observing that various factors have contributed to the negative image of the judiciary, she expressed determination to change this narrative and make the judiciary a source of pride for all Nigerians.
Among the issues of concern the new CJN wants tackled headlong is the issue of disobedience to court orders which she stressed would not be tolerated under her watch.
“Furthermore, obedience to court orders is non-negotiable. No individual or institution, irrespective of their standing, will be permitted to treat the judgements of our courts with levity or disregard. The Judiciary stands resolute in ensuring that the sanctity of our legal decisions is upheld”, Kekere-Ekun stressed.
“Disobedience to court orders or non-compliance with judicial directives is a direct affront to democracy and an invitation to anarchy. As such, it is critical that we respect and observe all the features of an enduring democracy, for in doing so, we maintain the delicate balance that sustains our society.
“Let us, therefore, work collectively and tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria continues to abide by the rule of law, upholds the best democratic practices, and remains vigilant in the protection of her citizens’ rights,” the new CJN added.
She remarked that when the legal compass of a nation falters, everything suffers, including public and international perception; regretting that the attitude of some in the justice sector is sometimes less than salutary, adding that this has, to a large extent, contributed to the current image deficit of the country’s legal system.
She remarked that the issue of “Forum shopping” by some lawyers is not only rampant, but has often given rise to the emergence of conflicting orders by courts of coordinate jurisdiction.
“I would like to state clearly that henceforth, there will be consequences for any act of indiscretion that could bring the judiciary to disrepute. We have rules and ethics guiding the practice of our noble profession, and we must work assiduously to abide by them and always do what is right in the eye of the law.
“Under my leadership, the judiciary will adhere to the principles of honesty, transparency, and integrity. I call upon all judicial officers and members of the Bar to join me in achieving this goal,” she said.
In an address, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, expressed confidence that Kekere-Ekun ‘s assumption to the office of CJN would bring about impactful initiatives that will strengthen not just the Supreme Court but the entire judicial and legal system in Nigeria.
“I am confident that under the leadership of our esteemed Chief Justice, the Supreme Court will unlock new vistas of investment in public trust and in shaping public policy as well as consolidating our legal jurisprudence,” Fagbemi said.
The AGF assured the justice constituency that the administration of President Bola Tinubu will live up to its pledge to accord obeisant respect for judicial decisions and the rule of law, in realization of the fact that sound and just judicial pronouncements are enablers of the critical factors that drive socio-economic development.
He added that the administration will continue to take proactive steps to avoid undue exposure of the government to legal liabilities.
Meanwhile, the minister warned the new SANs to jealously guard the prestigious rank just conferred upon them because once withdrawn, it cannot be restored again, going by 2022 Guidelines for the conferment of SAN rank.
“One of the areas you must avoid like the plague is the unwholesome practice of engaging in media trials of cases pending before the courts. It is unprofessional for a legal practitioner and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria to be seen engaging in the analysis of cases pending before the court.
“We have seen cases where legal practitioners appear at television or radio stations discussing pending matters. We have also seen lawyers after court sitting discussing what transpired in the proceedings. You must resist the urge to engage in such practice. You must also reject invitations by media houses inviting you to analyse or discuss pending matters.
“The doctrine of sub judice enjoins lawyers and even members of the public to refrain from commenting and discussing live cases. You should not be seen breaching this doctrine. However, where judgement has been delivered in a given matter, lawyers and the public are free to analyse and discuss the decisions without impugning the integrity of the judicial personnel involved or stacking the professional competence of counsel involved in such matters”, the minister said.
One of the new SANs, Emmanuel Ibhagbemien Esene, thanked the Almighty God for the elevation to the rank of SAN and expressed determination to use the opportunity for the development of humanity.
“By the grace of God, I will use this rank to pursue the advancement and development of law, protect the interest of the judiciary and the fundamental human rights of Nigerian citizens,” he said.
