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.
Kekere-Ekun 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.
“This dual role requires balancing the scriptures and the law with ethical constitutions, often containing with moral and legal questions that may seem at odds. As a minister in the temple of justice, the lawyer’s commitment to justice involves upholding legal standards, while advancing principles that follow society’s ethical expectations.
“The essence of the students is indeed the study of this relationship between morality, ethics and the law, especially when considering the historical distinction between courts of law and courts of equity, which reflects humanity’s ongoing quest to balance justice with fairness,” she said.
She congratulated Justice Habib Adewale Adiru on his elevation to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, saying that it was well deserved.
