The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has assured of the Judiciary’s commitment to the protection of human rights as guaranteed by the Constitution and other international laws and treaties.
Justice Kekere-Ekun said the Judiciary, under her watch, will remain steadfast in executing its constitutional mandate of upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights.
She spoke in Abuja on Thursday at a conference on: “Proportional force and respect for human dignity: A dialogue in governance,” organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) along with Citizen FM, as part of activities marking the commission’s 30th anniversary.
Represented by the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Babatunde Adejumo, the CJN noted that human dignity, equality before the law and respect for the inherent rights of all persons are the ideals on which every just society is anchored.
She was of the view that the exercise of authority with restrain, discipline and accountability enhances public trust and reinforces the legitimacy of institutions.
Justice Kekere-Ekun added that despite the commitment of the Judiciary, the duty to safeguard human rights requires collaboration among security agencies, policy makers, civil society and informed citizenry.
She said, “Whether in the court room, in the field of security operations, in policy making, or civic engagement, we must ensure that human dignity remains the measure and motivation of all our actions.
“This is the surest path to stability, social cohesion and justice,” she said.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu (SAN) stress d the importance of dialogue in addressing many challenges associated with the disproportionate deployment of force by security agents
Ojukwu explained that the event was not intended as an avenue to blame anyone or agency, but to ensure that security operations are guided by both constitutional and international standards, and that reforms are established through collective engagements with relevant stakeholders.
“While proportional force and respect for human dignity are substantive principles guiding our security operations, dialogue is the instrument through which governance becomes participatory and institutions earn trust of the citizens in the systems meant to protect them.
“For the National Human Rights Commission, dialogue in governance means creating platforms where the military, law enforcement agencies, ministries, department and agencies (MDAs), civil society, legal practitioners, academics, and citizens can sit together to examine the challenges of security and human rights,” Ojukwu said.
The keynote speaker, who is the Chairman of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission (NLRC), Professor Dakas Dakas (SAN) stressed the need for a comprehensive reform of existing policing architecture
Professor Dakas argued that the requirement for proportional use of force by law enforcement agents is not solely a policing concern but a central governance issue that shapes public trust, democratic resilience, and the legitimacy of state authority.
He advocated the need for institutionalized dialogue between citizens and law-enforcement agencies, stressing that peaceful societies are built on relationships and mutual respect rather than suspicion or confrontation.
He cautioned that the constant application of disproportionate force has the capacity to produce governance crises, not just security challenges.
Dakas added, “When force is not governed by strict necessity and professionalism, the state loses moral authority. The Lekki Toll Gate tragedy is a solemn reminder that force without proportionality erodes legitimacy.”
He noted that “strengthening proportional use of force by law enforcement is not merely a procedural necessity but a profound affirmation of human dignity at the heart of democratic governance.
“When security agencies act with restraint, accountability, and respect for life, they build public trust, enhance legitimacy, and create safer communities where rights are protected rather than threatened.
“This dialogue reminds us that good governance is ultimately a partnership — between the state, its institutions, and the people — and that sustainable peace is achieved when justice, professionalism, and humanity guide every action.
“Let us therefore commit to continuous reform, constructive engagement, and the shared pursuit of a society where security and dignity walk hand in hand,” Prof. Dakas said.
