The Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called for a more responsible and evidence-based approach to filing petitions against judges. Her statement comes amid growing concerns within the legal community about the rising number of frivolous allegations being used to harass and discredit judicial officers.
Mounting Concerns Over Judicial Intimidation
Speaking during a meeting with members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Bar and Bench Forum, the CJN warned that the trend of unfounded petitions undermines the independence of the judiciary. She noted that many of these accusations are not only baseless, but often intended to intimidate judges and disrupt the course of justice.
Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized the emotional and professional toll such actions take on judges, many of whom suffer reputational damage despite being cleared of wrongdoing after thorough investigations.
Judiciary Must Be Protected, Not Weaponized
“The petitioning process should never be reduced to a weapon for settling scores,” she noted, calling on the public and legal professionals to use the appropriate channels when addressing genuine grievances. She reaffirmed the role of the National Judicial Council (NJC) as the proper forum for handling complaints, urging petitioners to back their claims with credible, verifiable evidence.
According to the CJN, accountability must be balanced with fairness. While judicial misconduct must be addressed where it occurs, the increasing tendency to vilify judges based on suspicion alone threatens the very foundation of justice in a democratic society.
NBA Bar and Bench Forum Responds
Also addressing the gathering, Chairman of the NBA Bar and Bench Forum, Dr. Richard Oma Ahonaruogho, echoed the CJN’s sentiments. He urged the NJC to screen petitions more stringently to reduce the burden of investigating frivolous cases.
He further recommended that those who submit baseless petitions should be penalized with significant costs, to discourage misuse of the disciplinary system. “It is essential that we protect the dignity of the Bench while upholding the integrity of the legal process,” he said.
A Call for Mentorship and Professional Responsibility
Justice Kekere-Ekun also addressed a growing concern: the premature criticism of court rulings by lawyers, particularly on media platforms, without fully studying the judgment or its legal basis. This, she said, not only misleads the public but also erodes respect for the judicial process.
She called on senior lawyers to guide younger members of the Bar in cultivating professional discipline and responsibility. According to her, a well-mentored legal community is better positioned to uphold the values of justice, fairness, and decorum.
Context: Rising Scrutiny of the Judiciary
The CJN’s remarks come against the backdrop of increasing public scrutiny of the judiciary, fuelled by high-profile political cases and national debates over judicial independence. In recent months, judgments in politically sensitive matters have drawn sharp commentary, with some factions questioning the integrity of the courts.
In this climate, her call for restraint, due process, and professional solidarity within the legal profession resonates strongly—not just among legal practitioners, but with a wider public eager for a justice system that is both transparent and respected.
Moving Forward
As Nigeria continues to navigate complex legal and political challenges, Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appeal underscores the need for a judiciary that is not only independent but also shielded from undue pressure. Her message is clear: accountability must never become a cloak for intimidation, and justice must always be pursued with integrity and respect for due process.
