Ola Akinwunmi
In a stern warning aimed at curbing baseless allegations against Nigeria’s judiciary, the Chief Justice, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has cautioned legal practitioners within the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) against submitting frivolous petitions that tarnish the reputation of judges across the country.
Speaking through a statement delivered by the Senior Special Assistant to the CJN on Media, Tobi Soniyi, on Tuesday, the Chief Justice highlighted a disturbing trend of petitions being filed on dubious claims.
“Many petitions accusing judges of corruption are often frivolous, baseless, and lacking in substance,” the CJN stated, urging the legal community to exercise restraint and responsibility when bringing forward grievances.
Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that the primary focus of the NBA should be to safeguard the integrity of the judiciary, rather than engage in practices that intimidate or malign judicial officers. “Some people write petitions against judges simply to intimidate them,” she noted, adding that such actions not only jeopardize the wellbeing of judges but also diminish the public’s trust in the legal system.
The Chief Justice expressed concern over the psychological toll on judges, who often face intense public scrutiny during investigations, only to later be exonerated when evidence fails to substantiate the accusations. “Anyone accusing judges of corruption must support the allegation with clear and credible evidence,” she warned, advising that any legitimate complaints be directed to the National Judicial Council (NJC), the body responsible for supervising judicial conduct.
In a related development, Richard Ahonaruogho, Chairman of the NBA Bar and Bench Forum, echoed the CJN’s concerns. Ahonaruogho called on the NJC to screen and discard petitions that lack merit, suggesting that imposing heavy costs on frivolous filings could serve as a deterrent against the misuse of the petition process.
He further appealed for increased collaboration between the Bar and the Bench to foster a culture of mutual respect and professionalism.Justice Kekere-Ekun also criticized a growing trend among some lawyers of publicly criticizing judicial decisions on television without first reviewing court judgments.
She urged senior counsel to mentor younger members of the profession, emphasizing the need for discipline and a more informed approach when engaging in public discourse about judicial matters.
The Chief Justice’s remarks come amidst growing concerns over the erosion of respect for judicial processes. Legal professionals and stakeholders alike have been urged to remember that the strength of Nigeria’s legal system depends on the careful administration of justice and the upholding of ethical standards both in and out of the courtroom.