The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has cautioned judicial officers against conduct or associations that could raise questions about their impartiality as the country approaches another electoral cycle.
According to a report by THISDAY, Kekere-Ekun gave the warning in Abuja at a special session of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) to mark the opening of the 2026/2027 Legal Year and the commissioning of the court’s new headquarters.
She urged judges to base their decisions strictly on the Constitution, applicable laws, binding precedents and established principles of judicial reasoning, particularly when handling politically sensitive matters. She noted that some judges could also be called upon to serve on election petition tribunals, where their decisions would attract significant public attention.
The CJN said judicial officers must be careful that their associations, public engagements and other activities do not create an impression of political affiliation or predisposition. She also urged lawyers to protect the integrity of the judicial process by avoiding forum shopping and parallel proceedings capable of producing conflicting orders.
She further called for restraint in public criticism of court decisions and judicial proceedings, saying disagreements should not lead to personal attacks against judges, distortion of proceedings or attempts to influence the courts through public pressure. She advised those with concerns about judicial conduct to use the appropriate institutional channels.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, represented by the Director of Civil Appeals, Tijani Gazali, commended the NICN’s electronic filing and service system. He, however, said technology must be supported by effective case management, adequate personnel, professional discipline and cooperation between the Bench and the Bar to address delays in employment-related cases.
Meanwhile, the President of the NICN, Justice Benedict Kanyip, disclosed that the court disposed of 2,236 cases across its judicial divisions during the outgone legal year, helping to reduce its longstanding backlog.
Kanyip said the commissioning of the new headquarters, which brings the court’s Abuja-based judges under one roof, would enable the institution to turn greater attention to the welfare of its judges and staff, while appealing for improved budgetary allocations to support its operations.
