ABUJA– The newly appointed Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has vowed to cleanse the judiciary by taking decisive action against errant judges and lawyers.

Justice Kekere-Ekun made this commitment during a special session of the Supreme Court commemorating the start of its new legal year, asserting that under her leadership, the judiciary would uphold the principles of honesty, transparency, and integrity.

“The Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers will be rigorously enforced, and we expect the Bar to adhere to the highest ethical standards,” she stated.

These declarations came shortly after her swearing-in as the substantive CJN, marking her first official duty by inaugurating the 2024/2025 legal year and administering the oath to 87 senior legal practitioners elevated to the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

In outlining her vision as CJN, Justice Kekere-Ekun remarked, “This is a new dawn and a new era for the Nigerian Judiciary. I assure our citizens that we are dedicated to improving public perception of the judiciary.”

“Various factors have contributed to the judiciary’s negative image over the years, but we are resolved to turn this narrative around and make the judiciary a source of pride for all Nigerians.”

She emphasized the impact of a faltering legal system, stating, “When a nation’s legal compass is off course, it affects everything, including public and international perception. The conduct of some within the justice sector has contributed significantly to the current image deficit.”

Justice Kekere-Ekun highlighted the troubling trend of forum shopping among legal practitioners, which leads to conflicting court orders. She made it clear that henceforth, there would be penalties for actions that tarnish the judiciary’s reputation.

“We have rules and ethics governing our profession, and we must strive to comply and uphold the law,” she added. “Under my leadership, the judiciary will embody honesty, transparency, and integrity. I urge all judicial officers and Bar members to join me in this mission.”

She stressed the importance of upholding the Constitution, the supreme law of the land, and adhering to the rule of law—fundamental to any functioning democracy.

“The rights of every Nigerian must be fiercely protected against oppression and impunity, using all legal tools at our disposal,” she affirmed.

Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that obedience to court orders is non-negotiable, and no individual or institution would be allowed to treat court judgments with disrespect.

“The Judiciary is committed to maintaining the integrity of our legal decisions. All parties must work together to ensure an unwavering dedication to the rule of law.”

She further noted, “Disregarding court orders is a direct challenge to democracy and an invitation to chaos. It is vital that we adhere to the principles of enduring democracy to maintain the delicate balance of our society.”

“We must work tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria remains committed to the rule of law and protects the rights of its citizens,” she concluded.

Justice Kekere-Ekun also addressed the need for professional decorum, stating that any lawyer who fails to comply with the established dress code will not be permitted to appear in court, as this undermines the profession’s prestige.

She expressed concern over prosecuting agencies neglecting key provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. She criticized the ongoing practice of arraigning suspects without thorough preliminary investigations, which contributes to case backlogs and erodes public trust.

“In 2024, it is unacceptable that such practices persist, hindering justice delivery,” she asserted.

The CJN revealed that the Supreme Court handled 1,124 cases in the previous legal year, encompassing 435 civil appeals, 269 civil motions, 219 criminal appeals, and more. She noted that 247 judgments and rulings were issued during this period.

Meanwhile, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, praised the Supreme Court for its role in upholding justice, while Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, called for a review of remand order issuance processes, highlighting concerns over unjust detentions.