The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has advised newly appointed judges of the lower courts to reject unsolicited gifts and avoid extravagant birthday celebrations, warning that such acts could expose them to petitions and undermine public confidence in the judiciary.
Kekere-Ekun gave the advice during the opening ceremony of an induction course for newly appointed judges in Abuja.
Represented by the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Babatunde Adejumo, the CJN also urged the judges to ensure speedy and impartial dispensation of justice, stressing that timely hearing of cases was essential to maintaining public trust in the judicial system.
She further advised the judges to maintain cordial working relationships with court officials, particularly registrars and exhibit keepers, while encouraging them to be familiar with court procedures to prevent lawyers from taking advantage of them.
“You must work harmoniously with all the officials under you and ensure that you manage them diplomatically and technically.
“You must also read the rules of court so that lawyers will not take you for a ride. Read everything that comes before you,” she said.
The CJN warned the judges against accepting unsolicited gifts and organising elaborate birthday celebrations, noting that such occasions could create opportunities for people to offer gifts capable of attracting allegations of misconduct.
“Most importantly, do not allow unsolicited gifts. You must equally avoid throwing unnecessary birthday parties. People will seize the opportunity to bring unsolicited gifts that can lead to petitions,” she cautioned.
She also urged the new judges to exercise restraint in the use of their contempt powers, warning that excessive reliance on such powers could have unintended consequences.
“I will also enjoin you not to use your power of contempt too much. It should be used sparingly; otherwise, it may backfire,” she added.
In his welcome address, the NJI Administrator, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, congratulated the newly appointed judges on their appointments, describing their role as critical to the effective administration of justice and the protection of constitutional democracy.
He noted that lower courts serve as the foundation of the country’s judicial system by handling the majority of cases affecting ordinary Nigerians and easing the workload of superior courts.
According to him, the induction programme was designed to strengthen the judges’ understanding of judicial ethics, courtroom management, substantive and procedural law, and the values expected of members of the Bench.
Adejumo urged the judges to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, professionalism and dedication, reminding them that they had been entrusted with the sacred responsibility of upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all.
