The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Salisu Abdullahi, have urged newly appointed judicial officers to avoid using their positions for personal gain. Instead, they emphasized that these appointments should be seen as a divine call to fight injustice, uphold the rule of law, and protect the people’s fundamental rights.
Speaking during the opening session of the second induction course for newly appointed magistrates and judges of the lower courts in Abuja on Monday, Justices Kekere-Ekun and Abdullahi highlighted the importance of integrity and service in the judicial profession. The week-long course, themed “Repositioning the courts for better justice delivery,” is being held at the NJI to equip the new judicial officers with the necessary skills to improve justice delivery in Nigeria.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who serves as the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the NJI, was represented by Supreme Court Justice Emmanuel Agim. She expressed optimism about the impact of the new appointments, stating, “I am also hopeful that you have come with a willingness to serve, a drive for excellence, and an irrevocable commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the image of the Nigerian Judiciary.”
The Acting CJN’s remarks reflect the ongoing efforts to enhance the integrity and efficiency of Nigeria’s judicial system.
“I urge you to constantly remind yourselves that you have joined this profession, not for the gains, but because of your passion for humanity, your ardour for the law and a desire to see justice and equity prevail at all times and in all situations.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that, by their appointment, the new magistrates and judges were stepping into an unfamiliar terrain, where they would be expected to handle numerous cases, most of which would present certain ethical dilemmas that would require them to make sensitive and difficult decisions.
She added: “Consequently, there is no gainsaying the fact that your new offices invariably demand a good grasp and understanding of substantive and procedural law and other ethical values and considerations, all of which are crucial to the effective performance of your duties.”
Justice Abdullahi told the new appointees that, by their appointment, they have chosen to commit themselves “to a most noble course, one which invariably requires you to address injustice, protect the rule of law, promote equality before the law, and safeguard the human rights of the people of our dear country, Nigeria.
“To this end, I urge you to see your appointments not as an avenue to gratify your personal desires but rather as an opportunity to serve and to contribute your quota to the advancement of the Nigerian Judiciary.
“Further, you must avoid acts that will impugn the integrity of the Judiciary and lower it in the estimation of the public. Refuse to condone any action that may delay the timely conclusion of both civil and criminal proceedings, while paying attention to judicial values of independence, integrity and impartiality,” the NJI Administrator said.
Justice Abdullahi, a former Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), explained that the induction course is designed to acquaint the new magistrates and judges with the intricacies of adjudication and judicial proceedings.
He added that the course is meant to offer insights into the expectations that will be placed on the new appointees by litigants, court users and the general public as they discharge their functions.
“In this regard, we aim to deepen your understanding and appreciation of germane issues such as bail applications and pre-trial detention; restorative justice and non-custodial measures; principles of judgment writing; and sentencing among others.
“I therefore have no doubts that this course will be of immense benefit to you all and I encourage you to pay rapt attention and to contribute meaningfully,” Justice Abdullahi said.
The Director of the Judicial College of England and Wales, Judge Ikram Tan stressed the importance of continuous training for judges and magistrates, citing examples of the practice in his jurisdiction.
He said, that in England and Wales, it was considered misconduct when a judicial officer fails to attend training, noting that he was recently issued a query for not attending a training course.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, who was represented by the Political Counsellor, Tom Burge spoke of the much assistance his country has rendered to Nigeria in the areas of justice sector reform and training.
He assured of his country’s continued support of efforts to ensure that the Nigerian Judiciary functions effectively to the benefit of all.
