“Preservation of judicial integrity cannot be delegated” Says CJN Kekere-Ekun

“The workshop was established to strengthen ethical discipline.” Justice Adejumo

The Chief Justice of Nigeria and c, Hon. Justice Kudirat M. O. Kekere-Ekun, GCON, has reiterated that the preservation of judicial integrity cannot be outsourced or delegated under our constitutional structure, which recognises the separation of powers.

Justice Kekere-Ekun made that statement at the opening ceremony of the National Workshop on Judicial Ethics for Judges of the Lower Courts organised by the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.

The Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Institute, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, stressed that the public nature of judicial office demands a level of restraint, propriety, and self-discipline that ensures personal conduct never diminishes the dignity of the Bench, and urged the judicial officers to live up to the expectation as ethical standards become the Judiciary’s strongest guarantee of independence, impartiality, and institutional credibility.

In her keynote address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Institute, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun stressed that judicial ethics is central to maintaining the credibility and authority of the judiciary. My Lord observed that lower courts serve as the primary point of contact between the justice system and the public, making judges’ conduct at that level crucial to shaping public perception of fairness and integrity.

In his welcome remarks, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Hon. Justice Babatunde Adejumo, OFR, noted that the programme was designed to address the ethical responsibilities that arise in the day-to-day discharge of judicial duties, particularly at the lower court level, where judges are frequently faced with practical challenges such as heavy caseloads, limited resources, and time-sensitive proceedings.

Justice Adejumo maintained that the workshop was established to strengthen ethical discipline, promote professionalism, and provide practical guidance on key areas such as courtroom management, impartiality, evidence handling, and judicial decorum. Justice Adejumo also highlighted the value of the workshop as a platform for interaction and exchange of experiences among judicial officers across different jurisdictions.

Lastly, the CJN reiterated the importance of continuous judicial education, stating that the workshop provides an opportunity for reflection, practical engagement, and capacity building in addressing real-life ethical challenges. She commended the efforts of the National Judicial Institute in promoting a competency-driven approach to judicial training.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Institute, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun declared the workshop open, marking the official commencement of the 3-day training programme for lower court judges.

Following the declaration, official photographs were taken to commemorate the occasion. The opening ceremony also provided an opportunity for dignitaries and participants to interact, reinforcing a sense of collegiality and shared commitment to upholding ethical standards within the judiciary.

… “Preservation of judicial integrity cannot be delegated” Says CJN Kekere-Ekun … Naijaonpoint.