Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged judicial officers across the country to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in order to sustain public confidence in the judiciary.
She made the call during the opening of the 2026 International Bar Association Judges’ Forum and Judges and Lawyers Conference in Abuja, stressing that the credibility of the courts depends not only on constitutional protections but also on the conduct of judges.
According to the CJN, the administration of justice requires more than the application of legal principles, noting that qualities such as wisdom, empathy, independence, and moral courage are essential for judges to effectively uphold the rule of law.
Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that judicial independence must be accompanied by accountability, adding that integrity, competence, diligence, transparency, ethical leadership, and restraint remain the pillars of a credible judicial system.
She urged every judicial officer to continually justify the confidence placed in the courts by the public through fairness and ethical conduct.
The CJN also challenged legal practitioners to uphold their responsibilities as officers of the court, stating that lawyers play a vital role in protecting the rule of law and ensuring justice is served.
She noted that a strong partnership between the Bench and the Bar, built on professionalism, civility, and respect for the judicial process, is crucial to preserving justice and strengthening democratic institutions.
Justice Kekere-Ekun further stated that safeguarding justice is a shared responsibility involving judges, lawyers, academics, policymakers, civil society organisations, and citizens committed to protecting liberty, equality, and human dignity.
Reflecting on the conference theme, “In Defence of Justice,” she described it as timely and relevant, saying it provides an opportunity to examine issues such as judicial independence, fairness in adjudication, judicial education, advocacy, artificial intelligence, judicial appointments, and the evolving role of the judiciary in modern society.
