Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun defends the Nigerian judiciary's integrity, stating most judges are hardworking and morally upright. At an event hosted by MICA, she acknowledged a minority tarnishing the judiciary's reputation and emphasized the need for legal practitioners to balance law, ethics, and societal morality.
In a recent public discourse held by the Movement for Islamic Culture and Awareness (MICA), the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, defended the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary, asserting that while most judges are hardworking and morally upright, a small minority are tarnishing the reputation of the judicial system. The event, held to celebrate MICA’s 30th anniversary, addressed the intersection of law, ethics, and morality, focusing on the role of legal practitioners in balancing legal standards with ethical expectations.
Kekere-Ekun emphasized that the legal profession requires practitioners to navigate a complex landscape where law, ethics, and morality intertwine. "The lawyer, often seen as both antagonist and protagonist in the pursuit of justice, must balance scriptures and the law with ethical constitutions," she explained. This dual role, she noted, requires lawyers to uphold legal standards while ensuring their actions align with society’s moral and ethical expectations.
The Chief Justice pointed out that while most judges are committed to delivering justice, a few individuals within the judiciary are damaging public trust with their actions. She stressed that the public’s perception of the legal system is influenced by how well the judiciary reflects the ethical and moral values of society. Kekere-Ekun's comments came at a time when Nigerians are increasingly concerned about corruption within the judiciary, which undermines public confidence in the justice system.
The event also featured notable figures such as Babatunde Fashola, former governor of Lagos, and the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, who joined in marking the significance of MICA's milestone and celebrating the elevation of Habeeb Abiru to the Supreme Court.
