CJN warns judges against ‘romancing’ political parties – Daily Trust

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun on Monday warned Judges in several courts throughout the nation against romancing political parties within the decision of disputes.

Kekere-Ekun warned that by no means ought to any Judge exhibit conduct or behaviour that might jeopardise their absolute anticipated impartiality in resolving disputes that can come up within the conduct of the 2027 common elections.

Daily Trust stories that there have been a sequence of pre-election instances, which arose after major elections of various political parties in numerous courts throughout the nation forward of 2027 common elections.

Speaking on the event of the 2026 Legal Year of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the CJN additionally canvassed for ample safety of processes resulting in the appointment of judicial officers for the judiciary of Nigeria.

“Elections inevitably generate heightened political exercise and robust feelings. They additionally carry earlier than the courts disputes that will have vital penalties for people, political parties and the nation.

“The Judiciary should strategy such issues with the identical calmness, detachment and constancy to the regulation that it brings to each different dispute.

“Judicial officers should stay aware that each phrase they converse and each motion they take throughout an electoral interval can be subjected to scrutiny.

“They should train restraint, keep away from political affiliation or conduct able to creating an look of partiality and stay firmly inside the boundaries imposed by their oath and the Constitution.

“There can be a necessity for better skilled duty by legal professionals within the establishment of proceedings arising from political and electoral disputes.

“Forum procuring, whether or not by the deliberate selection of commencing an motion in a courtroom or division perceived to be extra beneficial to a specific celebration or by the establishment of a number of proceedings in search of considerably comparable reliefs, can lead to conflicting orders, undermine orderly judicial course of and expose the Judiciary to avoidable embarrassment.

“It can even create the unlucky impression that parties are in search of not justice in accordance with regulation however a specific final result from a specific courtroom.

“There is, furthermore, a broader institutional concern. It doesn’t augur properly for our judicial system or the administration of justice if the courts turn into so overwhelmed by political disputes that different instances of their dockets are consequently delayed or denied the well timed consideration they require.

“The Judiciary should stay accessible to all litigants, and the urgency or public prominence of political litigation shouldn’t come on the expense of different authentic claims awaiting dedication.

“Counsel should train the skilled judgment anticipated of members of the Bar earlier than commencing proceedings, significantly the place associated proceedings are already pending earlier than one other courtroom.

“The responsibility of counsel to the Court requires full candour as to the existence of associated proceedings and respect for the jurisdiction and processes of different courts.

“The responsibility of counsel extends beyond securing an immediate advantage for a client; it includes a duty to protect the integrity and orderly functioning of the judicial process,” Kekere-Ekun stated.

According to her, the appointment of judicial officers is among the most consequential obligations entrusted to the National Judicial Council and the Federal Judicial Service Commission.

“A Judge doesn’t merely occupy an workplace; she or he carries the authority of the Constitution and the arrogance of the folks.

“For that cause, the processes via which judicial officers are chosen should command public confidence. The current appointments have mirrored a deliberate effort to strengthen the analysis of candidates via structured evaluation, skilled and peer suggestions, background checks and, within the case of shortlisted candidates, a possibility for members of the general public to touch upon their integrity {and professional} popularity.

“This course of should be shielded from abuse. It ought to by no means turn into a trial by publicity or an avenue for settling private disagreements {and professional} scores.

“The similar restraint is required within the wider public house, the place social media
is more and more used to show skilled disagreements into private assaults,
ridicule, threats and harassment. We should resist this tradition.

“There are correct channels for criticising judgments, reporting skilled misconduct and complaining in regards to the conduct of judicial officers or authorized practitioners.

“The administration of justice can’t be left to anger, intimidation or trial by social media.

“A Judge ought to have the ability to resolve in accordance with regulation with out concern of non-public retaliation. A lawyer ought to have the ability to make a authentic submission with out being subjected to intimidation.

“A member of staff should be able to perform his or her duties without harassment. The dignity of the profession is the collective responsibility of the Bench and the Bar.” she added.