ABUJA — The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has charged newly appointed judges of the Federal High Court to regard their elevation, not as a privilege of status, but as a solemn acceptance of impartiality, discipline and unwavering fidelity to the Constitution.
Administering the oath of office, the CJN said their decisions would influence markets, institutions, public confidence and even the stability of governance.
“From this moment, you cease to belong wholly to yourselves; you belong, in a profound sense, to the law, to your conscience and to the Nigerian people,” she said.
Kekere-Ekun stressed that the Federal High Court occupies a pivotal position in Nigeria’s judicial architecture, exercising jurisdiction over matters that shape the nation’s economic, political and regulatory landscape.
She expressed concern over what she described as sweeping and indiscriminate attacks against the judiciary in recent times, warning that unsubstantiated allegations of corruption erode public trust and damage institutional credibility.
While acknowledging that the judiciary is not infallible, she assured that proven misconduct would be addressed firmly and transparently through the National Judicial Council. However, she cautioned against reckless rhetoric that undermines the rule of law.
The CJN urged the judges to remain disciplined, punctual and committed to efficient case management, noting that justice delayed through indolence amounts to justice denied.
She reminded them that they now operate in an environment of heightened scrutiny and amplified public opinion, urging them to resist social, political and financial pressures and to guard their independence jealously.
Kekere-Ekun further disclosed that their appointments followed one of the most rigorous, transparent and technology-enhanced selection processes in the history of Nigeria’s judiciary, calling on them to justify the confidence reposed in them.
“A modern judiciary must combine principle with innovation,” she said, encouraging the judges to embrace continuing education, evolving legal developments and digitisation efforts within the court system.
