Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has read riot act to erring judicial officers to sit up or face sanctions.
The CJN said professional misconducts such as corruption, frivolous ex-parte orders and interim injunctions often granted by some judges, won’t have a place under her watch as the nation’s number one judicial officer.
The jurist also pleaded with the National Assembly to amend the relevant section of the 2022 Electoral Act to the effect that all pre-election matters terminate at the Court of Appeal.
This, according to her, would greatly lead to decongestion of cases at the Supreme Court.
She spoke Wednesday while appearing before the Senate for confirmation of her appointment in substantive capacity.
The CJN also warned that trouble looms for those in the habit of discussing cases pending in the court, particularly senior lawyers, with declarative or authoritative pronouncements.
“Some of the things that I’m known for are integrity and zero tolerance for corruption. Judiciary under my leadership as CJN would be one that is not associated with corruption and other things like frivolous ex – parte orders by Judges or interim injunctions.
“Decisive actions would be taken against any officer found indulging in such practices. Powers on ex parte orders and interim injunction are no doubt being abused by some judges. Such abuses would not be tolerated under my headship of the judiciary,” Kekere-Ekun warned.
On conflicting court judgements, the newly confirmed CJN said digitalisation of all courts would help to tackle the problem.
“Digitalization of all the courts would help to track cases already treated by the various courts and prevent conflicting judgements,” she said.
While of the view that all pre-election matters be terminated at the Court of Appeal to free the apex court of burden arising from case congestion, she added that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) , would also be used to decongest cases at the various courts.
The ADR, she assured, would be embraced by many since it doesn’t end up on victor and vanquished pronouncement.
… Subjudice
Responding to alleged subjudice being committed by social commentators, particularly senior lawyers on Television or Radio Programs through declarative or authoritative comments on cases pending in the courts, the CJN said as Chairman of Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, such actions would be dealt with.
“Decisive actions would no doubt be taken against those fond of making declarative or authoritative comments on cases pending in the courts of law,” she said.
Kekere-Ekun, however, disagreed with the suggestion by Senator Sani Musa that separate courts should be created to handle election matters and terrorism, saying “such courts would also be congested later if required digitalization of courts across the country is not done.”
Apparently impressed with her submissions, the Senate, after about two hours of drilling, confirmed Justice Kekere-Ekun as the second female CJN after Justice Alooma Mariam Mukhtar.
Kekere-Ekun, accompanied by other Supreme Court and Court of Appeal justices, arrived at the Senate Chamber at 12:30 pm, following which Senator Opeyemi Bamidele invoked Order 12 of the Senate’s Standing Orders to allow her and the entourage into the Red Chamber.
The CJN was led into the Chamber by Senator Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters.
Tinubu’s request
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had, Tuesday, through a letter, sought the Senate’s confirmation of Kekere-Ekun as the CJN.
The letter, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was submitted upon the Senate’s return from its annual recess, which began July.
The letter read: “Pursuant to Section 231(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which gives the President the power to appoint the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, CON, for confirmation as CJN.
“I hope that this request will receive the expeditious consideration of the Senate. Please accept, distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration and personal regards.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun was sworn in on August 23, 2024, as the 23rd CJN by President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
She had been serving in acting capacity until her confirmation by the Senate.
Born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom, Justice Kekere-Ekun began her legal journey at the University of Lagos, where she obtained her law degree in 1980. After completing her studies at the Nigerian Law School, she was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981.