Your Rulings Shape Public Perception of Judiciary, CJN Warns Judges
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday called on judges across the country to carefully evaluate evidence in their courts before delivering judgments, warning that the integrity of the judiciary depends on their decisions.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Refresher Course for lower court judges on evidence management, Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that speed should never compromise thoroughness, noting that every ruling contributes to the public perception of the judicial system.
“Decisions made without explanation, or discretion exercised inconsistently, erode public trust and weaken the legitimacy of the court,” she said. “The strength of our judiciary is measured not only by the brilliance of our judgments but by the fairness, integrity, and reliability of decisions delivered at the grassroots.”
Describing lower courts as the frontlines of justice, the CJN stressed that for many Nigerians, these courts are their first encounter with the judiciary.
She added that properly managed evidence ensures accessible justice, durable judgments, and reinforced public confidence.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also highlighted the importance of ethical consistency, patience, and judicial courtesy, reminding judges that internal discipline and professional self-regulation are critical for maintaining public trust.
In his address, the administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, said the refresher course aims to address practical challenges faced by lower court judges, particularly in handling high case volumes while delivering timely and fair justice.
“The focus of this programme is both deliberate and fundamental. Evidence lies at the heart of adjudication, and the quality of justice delivered is directly linked to how evidence is received, managed, and evaluated,” he said.
The refresher course will provide practical, experience-based training to strengthen judicial capacity and ensure that proceedings in trial courts are conducted effectively and in line with constitutional standards.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday called on judges across the country to carefully evaluate evidence in their courts before delivering judgments, warning that the integrity of the judiciary depends on their decisions.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Refresher Course for lower court judges on evidence management, Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that speed should never compromise thoroughness, noting that every ruling contributes to the public perception of the judicial system.
“Decisions made without explanation, or discretion exercised inconsistently, erode public trust and weaken the legitimacy of the court,” she said. “The strength of our judiciary is measured not only by the brilliance of our judgments but by the fairness, integrity, and reliability of decisions delivered at the grassroots.”
Describing lower courts as the frontlines of justice, the CJN stressed that for many Nigerians, these courts are their first encounter with the judiciary.
She added that properly managed evidence ensures accessible justice, durable judgments, and reinforced public confidence.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also highlighted the importance of ethical consistency, patience, and judicial courtesy, reminding judges that internal discipline and professional self-regulation are critical for maintaining public trust.
In his address, the administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, said the refresher course aims to address practical challenges faced by lower court judges, particularly in handling high case volumes while delivering timely and fair justice.
“The focus of this programme is both deliberate and fundamental. Evidence lies at the heart of adjudication, and the quality of justice delivered is directly linked to how evidence is received, managed, and evaluated,” he said.
The refresher course will provide practical, experience-based training to strengthen judicial capacity and ensure that proceedings in trial courts are conducted effectively and in line with constitutional standards.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday called on judges across the country to carefully evaluate evidence in their courts before delivering judgments, warning that the integrity of the judiciary depends on their decisions.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Refresher Course for lower court judges on evidence management, Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that speed should never compromise thoroughness, noting that every ruling contributes to the public perception of the judicial system.
“Decisions made without explanation, or discretion exercised inconsistently, erode public trust and weaken the legitimacy of the court,” she said. “The strength of our judiciary is measured not only by the brilliance of our judgments but by the fairness, integrity, and reliability of decisions delivered at the grassroots.”
Describing lower courts as the frontlines of justice, the CJN stressed that for many Nigerians, these courts are their first encounter with the judiciary.
She added that properly managed evidence ensures accessible justice, durable judgments, and reinforced public confidence.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also highlighted the importance of ethical consistency, patience, and judicial courtesy, reminding judges that internal discipline and professional self-regulation are critical for maintaining public trust.
In his address, the administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, said the refresher course aims to address practical challenges faced by lower court judges, particularly in handling high case volumes while delivering timely and fair justice.
“The focus of this programme is both deliberate and fundamental. Evidence lies at the heart of adjudication, and the quality of justice delivered is directly linked to how evidence is received, managed, and evaluated,” he said.
The refresher course will provide practical, experience-based training to strengthen judicial capacity and ensure that proceedings in trial courts are conducted effectively and in line with constitutional standards.
