The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, said the Nigerian judiciary has a lot of upright knowledgeable, hardworking and courageous judges, lamenting that a few are tarnishing their reputation.
Kekere-Ekun stated this at a public discourse in Lagos themed “Ethics, Morality And The Law.”
The event was held in honour of Justice Habib Abiru who was recently elevated as a justice of the Supreme Court.
The CJN, who was the chairperson of the event, urged all judges to remember that as individuals, each person is accountable to his or herself and to God.
She emphasised that public acceptance of the law also hinges on its alignment with fundamental principles, the need for clarity, stability and independence of the judiciary, as well as the fair exercise of authority by law enforcement.
According to her, the perspective of the ordinary citizen, who observes and assesses the extent to which ethics, morality and the law coexist harmoniously in society must be taken into consideration.
She further said that the current foundations of justice relied upon today, are influenced by the Abrahamic faith prevalent in the society, stressing that both Islam and Christianity preach moral uprightness and righteousness.
“The role of the legal practitioner within this framework, merits particular attention. The lawyer, often seen as both antagonist and protagonist in the pursuit of justice, must navigate a terrain, where law, ethics and morality intersect
Peoplesmind
