With the emergence of a Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the country’s judiciary appears set for holistic transformation, writes KEHINDE OSASONA.
In recent times, some concerned Nigerians and other stakeholders have lamented the spate of corruption and other rots blighting the judiciary.
The new CJN Kekere-Ekun, is expected to muster all the courage towards an improved and credible justice system.
Kekere-Ekun was sworn-in by President Bola Tinubu in acting capacity pending ratification by NASS.
The new CJN made history as the second female to mount the saddle as chief justice after Justice Aloma Mukhtar (retd.).
Kekere-Ekun took over the leadership of the Supreme Court after Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who came into office on June 27, 2022, and just bowed out upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70.
The decision to change the retirement age was sequel to the National Judicial Council (NJC) recommendation after its 106th meeting in Abuja.
For some time now, criticism has trailed successive CJN’s conduct and operation. A pointer to the fact was the recent salvo fired by Justice Amina Augie, who in an interview revealed that there were godfathers in the judiciary.
Augie, who decried politisation of appointments in the third arm of government stated: “Politicians are very strategic. They want to put their own people that will be useful for them as judges.”
Augie’s standpoint came barely a year after a sitting Senator, Adamu Bulkachuwa, told Nigerians at the valedictory session of the Senate that he reached out to his wife, Zainab, the President of the Court of Appeal, to get favourable decisions for his politician friends in election cases.
President’s speech
President Tinubu, who presided over the ceremony, advised the new CJN to remain faithful to the Nigerian Constitution and promote the course of justice, integrity, discipline, and transparency, during her tenure.
The president, who used the occasion to reiterate his administration’s dedication to upholding the rule of law, promised to ensure prompt attention to the judiciary, saying its role in driving social order, peace and security is crucial for economic development.
He also acknowledged the significant role of the Supreme Court in Nigeria’s evolution, resolving complex legal conflicts and shaping public policy.
On his expectations form the judiciary, the president states that the apex court would continue to play a critical role in shaping constitutional democracy capable of impacting all segments of Nigerian society.
“I commend Kekere-Ekun’s admirable family, professional background, exceptional talent, hard work, and dedication to calling. Your meritorious rise from magistrate to justice of the Supreme Court remains a beacon of hope for young women aspiring to break the glass ceiling,” Tinubu stated.
CJN’s mission
The new helmsman, while fielding questions from journalists, expressed readiness to take the nation’s judiciary to a new height. This is as she vowed to restore the waning public confidence in the third arm of government.
“We will make sure that people have more confidence in the judiciary, and I believe that it is not a one-man job. We all have to be on board because we all see the areas that are in need of improvement.
“I believe that there will be maximum cooperation because we all want to see a better judiciary. A better judiciary is for the benefit of the entire nation. Whatever the shortcomings that we see today are, we are all members of the society.
“So, if we want to see a better society, if we want to see improvement, let the improvement start with each and every one of us and our approach to justice.
“Let us all have faith in the system and then also be particular about the process of appointment, I know it is a source of a lot of concern; the issue of discipline on the Bench and at the Bar as well.
“All of these things are aspects that we will look into and I believe that by the grace of God, at the end of my tenure, we should be able to have a judiciary that we will all be proud of,” he declared.
Setting agenda
For the legal community, scholars and practitioners, Kekere-Ekun’s emergence have provided another opportunity to make the sector more effective and efficient for the benefit of seekers of justice and Nigerians-alike.
A Legal Luminary, Mrs. Titilola Akinlawon (SAN), while expressing confidence in Kekere-Ekun’s track record stated that her impeccability, honour, integrity, antecedents speak volumes.
She maintained that the new CJN has consistently demonstrated commitment to justice and fairness, which is needed to address the challenges facing the judiciary sector.
Speaking further she said: ” Her role would be critical in restoring public confidence in the justice system.
“I think the discipline of judicial officers should be paramount. For too long, we have witnessed the erosion of ethical standards within the judiciary. It is time to put mechanisms in place that will address the rot and ensure that the judiciary remains a bastion of justice.
“A transparent and accountable judiciary is essential for the proper functioning of our democracy. Justice Kekere-Ekun has the experience and the moral fortitude to lead this charge.”
Also, speaking on his expectations from the new CJN, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ondo state, Dr Kayode Ajulo (SAN), lauded her legal acumen, fairness, forthrightness, and fortitude.
“The new CJN should steadfastly work towards enhancing public trust and confidence in the judiciary through unwavering transparency, unimpeachable accountability, and the most steadfast fairness in all judicial proceedings.
“To foster a spirit of collaborative synergy between the judiciary, the legislature, and the executive, thereby resolving any tensions and safeguarding the independence of the courts.
“To invest diligently in the capacity-building of judges and court staff, while leveraging technological innovations to improve efficiency and widen access to justice.
“Specifically, she should return the Supreme Court to its golden era, when Justices such as Anthony Aniagolu, Kayode Eso, Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa, Andrews Otutu Obaseki, Augustine Nnamani, and others brought their intellectual versatility and philosophical clarity to bear in their respective judgments to uphold substantial justice.
“Our democratisation experiment will fail if the judiciary, a vital third arm of government, is compromised. Therefore, the judiciary must protect its independence and impartiality with utmost care. It should be insulated from partisan politics, and political office holders must refrain from interfering with the judiciary’s work,” Ajulo tasked.
In expanding legal aid services and simplifying legal procedures, efforts have been geared towards making justice more accessible, by ensuring that justice is not delayed and the vulnerable are not marginalised.
Apart from protecting citizen’s rights, there have also been endless calls for public confidence restoration and transparency in the judicial processes.
Kekere-Ekun, game changer?
Time as they say will definitely tell as Nigerians await the much-anticipated and holistic reforms in the most criticised sector in the country.