The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned new lower court judges against accepting unsolicited gifts, saying the practice could endanger their careers.
Speaking on Tuesday at the opening of an induction course for new judges, the CJN said collecting gifts compromises judicial integrity and exposes judges to disciplinary trouble.
She also implored them to ensure speedy and fair determination of cases before their courts.
She stressed that only expeditious hearing of cases would ensure the continued confidence of litigants in the judiciary.
Kekere-Ekun, who was represented at the event by the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Babatunde Adejumo, emphasised the import of synergy between judges and court officials, especially the registrars and exhibit keepers.
“You must work harmoniously with all the officials under you and ensure that you manage them diplomatically and technically.You must also read the rules of courts so that lawyers will not take you for a ride. Read everything that comes before you.
“Most importantly, do not allow unsolicited gifts. You must equally avoid throwing unnecessary birthday parties. People will seize the opportunity to bring unsolicited gifts that can lead to petitions.As judges of the lower courts, you play a key role in the judiciary. Ensure that you are not rude to your heads of court.
“I will also enjoin you not to use your power of contempt too much. It should be used sparingly; otherwise it may backfire,” the CJN added.
Congratulating the new judges, the NJI Administrator, Justice Adejumo urged them to be mindful of the fact that they have been entrusted with the sacred duty of upholding constitutional supremacy, entrenching the Rule of Law, and shaping the course of justice in the nation.
“By virtue of your appointments, you now form part of a judicial tier that is absolutely vital to the effective functioning of our legal system.
“Beyond being the primary facilitators of grassroots justice, by resolving the vast majority of cases directly affecting ordinary Nigerian citizens, the Lower Courts act as crucial filters that streamline the workload of the Superior Courts, thereby enhancing overall efficiency.
“Consequently, the competence of those chosen to man these Courts is of paramount importance to the administration of justice.
“As you step forward to discharge your statutory functions, capacity-building initiatives like this are structured to provide the solid foundation needed to ease your transition to the Bench,” the NJI Administrator stated.
He said the essence of the induction course was to instil the core values of judicial conduct, ethics, and social context awareness.