THE Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, asserted that while the Nigerian Judiciary is home to many upright, knowledgeable, hardworking, and courageous judges, a few individuals are damaging its reputation.
She made these remarks during a public discourse in Lagos yesterday, themed “Ethics, Morality and The Law,” which honored Justice Habeed Abiru following his recent elevation to the Supreme Court.
As the Chairperson of the event, Justice Kekere-Ekun urged judges to remember their accountability to themselves and to God. She emphasized that public acceptance of the law relies on its adherence to fundamental principles, including clarity, stability, and the independence of the judiciary, alongside the fair exercise of authority by law enforcement.
She noted that it is essential to consider how the average citizen perceives the harmony between ethics, morality, and the law in society. Justice Kekere-Ekun remarked that the foundations of contemporary justice are influenced by the Abrahamic faiths prevalent in Nigeria, with both Islam and Christianity advocating for morality, uprightness, and righteousness.
“The role of legal practitioners within this framework is particularly significant. Lawyers, often seen as both adversaries and allies in the quest for justice, must navigate the intersection of law, ethics, and morality,” she stated. This dual role requires a balance between legal statutes and ethical considerations, as lawyers are tasked with upholding justice while also adhering to societal moral expectations.
She highlighted the importance of understanding the relationship between morality, ethics, and the law, particularly considering the historical distinction between courts of law and courts of equity. Justice Kekere-Ekun asserted that achieving this alignment is crucial for fostering public trust in the judiciary, affirming that the legal system must not only dispense justice but also resonate with the community’s moral values.
The Chief Justice emphasized that while morality and ethics are important, they cannot replace the law, given the diversity of moral perspectives in society. “The assertive nature of the law is essential for maintaining peace, order, and security—objectives that cannot be reliably achieved through ethics and morality alone,” she explained.
She congratulated Justice Habib Adewale Abiru on his well-deserved elevation to the Supreme Court.
In his address, the Emir of Kano, His Highness Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, urged Nigerian judges, particularly those on the Supreme Court, to administer justice with the fear of God and to remember their accountability to Him.
The Emir expressed a desire to avoid controversy in the new year while encouraging judges to remain upright and not let personal biases influence their decisions. He stressed the importance of focusing on substantive justice over technicalities, warning against favoring wrongdoers.
Very Reverend Professor Konyinsola Ajayi SAN, speaking on the theme “Ethics, Morality and the Law – Christian Perspective,” condemned what he termed “lawlessness in the law” and urged legal professionals to reflect on the role of ethics and morality in the judiciary. He cited specific cases, including the controversy surrounding the Emir of Kano, as examples of judicial failures and questioned whether the rule of law truly underpins current judicial practices.
Ajayi pointed out that the Nigerian judiciary, once highly regarded globally, is now suffering from a loss of reputation due to inconsistent judgments and a perceived lack of accountability among judges. He emphasized the moral and ethical responsibilities judges carry, reminding them of the divine justice they represent and the potential consequences of failing to uphold it.
He called for all Nigerians, especially those in power, to reflect on their actions within the broader ethical framework of their faiths, stressing that true justice is foundational to a stable society.
Former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola SAN spoke on the significance of law as a tool that separates humanity from chaos, emphasizing the need for ethics and morality as the foundation of legal systems. He noted that as society evolves, so too should its moral compass.
Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, highlighted the importance of fairness and integrity within the legal system, urging legal professionals to recommit to ethical values. He called for improvements in legal personnel and processes and emphasized that true reform begins with individual integrity.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Wale Babalakin, lamented the erosion of judicial independence in Nigeria, attributing it to the increasing influence of state governors and political figures over judges. He called for urgent reforms to restore the judiciary’s integrity, recalling a time when judges were highly respected and free from external pressures.
The event was attended by Supreme Court justices, judges from various courts, and numerous legal professionals who engaged in discussions about the future of Nigeria’s judicial landscape, emphasizing the need for ethical training and a renewed focus on morality in law.
