Kehinde Fajobi
Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday, urged judges to resist external pressures in their rulings, stressing the importance of impartiality and integrity in judicial decisions.
Speaking at the 2024 Annual Conference of Justices of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, Kekere-Ekun highlighted the judiciary’s need for introspection to retain public confidence.
She stated, “The only way the judiciary can maintain citizens’ trust is through the quality of judgements delivered by the courts.”
She underscored that appellate court verdicts must adhere to firm legal principles and reflect the unbiased input of all panel members.
“Judicial impartiality and integrity are non-negotiable. Judges must remain steadfast in pursuing justice, free from external opinions and pressures,” she added.
The CJN described introspection as vital, saying it is not just a personal virtue but a professional necessity.
She called for self-evaluation and collective reflection within the judiciary to address evolving societal expectations and challenges in justice delivery.
Kekere-Ekun also emphasised the importance of training judges to handle cybercrime cases and digital evidence.
She urged appellate court justices to actively participate in pre-judgement conferences to ensure comprehensive and well-reasoned verdicts.
“At this level, conferencing is an essential tool that boosts mutual respect, deepens understanding, and enhances the quality of decisions,” she said.
In her address, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, highlighted the challenges posed by social media, including cyberbullying and the integrity of digital evidence in legal proceedings.
Dongban-Mensem remarked, “To effectively navigate these complexities, the judiciary must engage in regular intellectual development and re-examine its practices to ensure fairness in the digital age.”
She also discussed the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in judicial processes, noting its potential to improve decision-making while raising concerns about transparency, bias, and accountability.
“AI should serve as an adjudicatory tool, not a replacement for judges,” she cautioned.
The conference, with former Attorney-General of the Federation Chief Kanu Agabi,n SAN, as keynote speaker, was attended by notable dignitaries, including ex-CJNs, Justice Minister Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and leaders of key legal and anti-corruption agencies.
The CJN also disclosed that the National Judicial Council (NJC) would sanction individuals filing frivolous petitions against judges, further reinforcing its commitment to protecting judicial integrity.