New CJN Kekere-Ekun warns judicial officers on corruption, frivolous ex-parte orders

The newly confirmed Chief Justice of Nigeria, (CJN), Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun on Wednesday warned judicial officers that corruption, frivolous ex-parte orders and interim injunctions often granted by some judges would not be tolerated under her leadership.

Justice Kekere-Ekun also read the riot act to lawyers, especially the senior ones who are in the habit of discussing cases pending in the court with declarative or authoritative pronouncements, in the media.

Speaking before the Senate during her confirmation screening at the National Assembly, the new CJN promised to uphold the rule of law and integrity of the judiciary.

She said: “Some of the things that I’m known for, are integrity and zero tolerance for corruption.

“Judiciary under my leadership as CJN, would be one that is not associated with corruption and other things like frivolous ex-parte orders by judges or interim injunctions.

“Decisive actions would be taken against any officer found indulging in such practices.

“Powers on ex-parte orders and interim injunctions are no doubt being abused by some judges.

“Such abuses would not be tolerated under my headship of the judiciary which will be viewed with possible sanction.”

For decongestion of cases at the Supreme Court, she pleaded with the Senate and by extension, the National Assembly, to amend the relevant section of the Electoral Act 2022, in making all pre-election matters to terminate at the Court of Appeal.

On conflicting court judgements, the newly confirmed CJN said digitalization of all courts would help to address the problem.

“Digitalization of all the courts would help to track cases already treated by the various courts and prevent conflicting judgments,” she said.

She added that Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR would also be used to decongest cases at the various courts which will be embraced by many since it doesn’t end in victor and vanquished pronouncement.

Responding to alleged sub-judice being committed by social commentators, particularly senior lawyers on television or radio programs through declarative or authoritative comments on cases pending in the courts, the CJN said as the chairman of Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, such actions would be dealt with .

“Decisive actions would no doubt be taken against those funds of making declarative or authoritative comments on cases pending in the courts of law,” she warned.

She, however, disagreed with a suggestion made by Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) that separate courts should be created to handle election matters and terrorism, saying “such courts would also be congested later if required digitalization of courts across the country is not done.”

Apparently impressed with her submissions, the Senate after about two hours of drilling, confirmed Justice Kekere-Ekun as the second female Chief Justice of Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday written to the Senate, seeking her confirmation as the CJN.

In the letter read by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio during plenary, Tinubu cited Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers him to appoint the CJN based on recommendations from the National Judicial Council, pending Senate approval.

The President expressed confidence in her nomination and urged the Senate to act urgently.

The National Judicial Council, NJC in August recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun, 66, to President Tinubu as successor to the former CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who retired last month.