Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday cautioned judges nationwide against issuing conflicting court orders or abusing ex-parte applications in pre-election disputes as the 2027 general elections approach.
Speaking at a special session marking the commencement of the Federal High Court’s 2025/2026 legal year and the 41st Annual Judges’ Conference in Abuja, the CJN urged judges to enforce procedural discipline firmly to prevent the judiciary from being seen as an instrument for political manipulation.
She emphasized the need for active case management to tackle delays in justice delivery, noting that the National Judicial Council (NJC) would enhance oversight to promote efficiency and discipline.
On judicial welfare, Justice Kekere-Ekun reaffirmed commitments to improving infrastructure, research support, and security for judicial officers, stating that an insecure judge cannot dispense justice with confidence. She also commended court administrators and staff for their essential role in judicial operations.
The CJN praised Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for his leadership, highlighting the court’s pivotal jurisdiction over national issues like revenue, taxation, immigration, maritime affairs, and intellectual property.
She stressed that unpredictable processes could erode public trust, even in sound judgments, and called for punctuality, consistent sittings, and transparent communication.
“Our judgments constitute our voice, and the manner in which we discharge our duties defines the authority and credibility of that voice,” she said.
Advocating deeper digitization—including virtual hearings, e-filing, and electronic tracking—as a priority, the CJN hailed recent innovations like electronic directories and notice screens as steps toward greater transparency and access.
In his address, Justice Tsoho reported that at the end of the 2023/2024 legal year, 161,999 cases were pending, with 19,925 new filings bringing the total to 181,924. Of these, 16,019 were disposed, leaving 165,905 pending, including 44,650 civil, 44,078 criminal, 46,228 motions, and 30,949 fundamental rights cases.
He disclosed that the appointment of 14 additional judges is at an advanced stage with NJC support.
Nigerian Bar Association President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), underscored the Federal High Court’s role in economic and constitutional matters, urging vigilance against political manipulation. He warned that perceiving judicial processes as partisan erodes the rule of law and stressed that not all intra-party disputes are justiciable.
“The court’s docket should not become a political theatre,” Osigwe said.
Representing the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN) encouraged judges to be bold and innovative in political cases, noting that with diminished opposition, the judiciary’s role in upholding democracy is more critical.
