The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has expressed grave concern over ongoing issues of corruption, judicial delays, and perceived bias within the country’s judiciary. Despite ongoing reform efforts, these challenges continue to undermine public trust in the legal system.
During the opening of the 2025 hybrid refresher course for judges of superior courts in Abuja on Monday, Justice Kekere-Ekun addressed the far-reaching effects of these issues, stating that they not only weaken the judiciary’s authority but also create a troubling disconnect between the courts and the society they serve. She emphasized the importance of confronting these problems head-on.
“Despite our collective efforts, corruption, delays in justice, and perceptions of bias still plague the system,” she said. “These challenges affect public confidence, which is crucial for the judiciary to function effectively.”
Kekere-Ekun emphasized that the judiciary’s legitimacy is tied to public trust, warning that without it, the judiciary’s moral authority and its constitutional role would be compromised. She stressed that integrity, professionalism, and transparency are critical in rebuilding this trust.
The CJN also highlighted the importance of judicial impartiality, noting that the perception of bias or misconduct is as damaging as the reality. “We must not only be impartial; we must also be seen as impartial,” she insisted.
