- Calls for Immediate Reforms
By Abiola Olawale
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has expressed deep concern over persistent allegations of corruption, delays in justice delivery, and perceptions of bias within the Nigerian judiciary.
In a powerful address delivered during the opening of the 2025 hybrid refresher course for judges of superior courts of record in Abuja, Kekere-Ekun raised a passionate alarm about the pervasive issues of corruption and bias within the judiciary.
She also emphasized an urgent need for reform, which she said is needed “to restore integrity and trust in our legal system.”
Kekere-Ekun added that the reforms are necessary as the judiciary is a critical institution for upholding the rule of law and constitutional order in Nigeria.
According to her, these issues affecting the judiciary are capable of undermining public confidence, weakening the judiciary’s authority, thereby creating a “dangerous gulf” between the courts and the society they serve.
She stated: “Despite our collective efforts, challenges persist; allegations of corruption, delays in the dispensation of justice, and perceptions of bias or inefficiency remain issues of concern.
“The onus is, therefore, on us to confront these challenges head-on and reaffirm our commitment to judicial excellence.”
She also stressed that the judiciary, as the final arbiter of disputes and custodian of constitutional order, does not operate in isolation. Instead, its legitimacy is tied to the trust and confidence reposed in it by the public.
“Without public confidence, the judiciary’s moral authority is diminished, and its ability to discharge its constitutional mandate is impaired.
“It is not enough to be impartial; we must also be seen to be impartial.”
