Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has advised newly appointed judges in the lower courts to avoid accepting unsolicited gifts and refrain from organising extravagant birthday celebrations, warning that such actions could expose them to allegations of misconduct.
The CJN gave the advice during the opening ceremony of an induction programme for newly appointed judges in Abuja.
She urged the judges to uphold integrity, remain impartial, and ensure the speedy determination of cases, noting that prompt justice is essential to maintaining public confidence in the judiciary.
Represented by the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Babatunde Adejumo, Kekere-Ekun also stressed the importance of maintaining a cordial working relationship with court officials, including registrars and exhibit keepers.
She encouraged the judges to familiarise themselves with court rules to avoid being misled by legal practitioners and to carefully study every matter brought before them.
According to her, judges should reject unsolicited gifts and avoid unnecessary birthday celebrations, as such occasions could provide opportunities for individuals to offer gifts that may later result in petitions or allegations of compromise.
The CJN further advised the judges to respect their heads of court and exercise their powers of contempt with restraint, cautioning that excessive use of such powers could have unintended consequences.
In his welcome address, Justice Adejumo congratulated the newly appointed judges, reminding them that they had been entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the Constitution, protecting the rule of law, and ensuring justice for all Nigerians.
He described the lower courts as the foundation of the nation’s judicial system, noting that they handle the majority of cases affecting ordinary citizens while helping to reduce the workload of higher courts.
Adejumo said the induction programme was designed to strengthen the judges’ understanding of judicial ethics, professional conduct, courtroom management, and the practical application of substantive and procedural laws, equipping them with the knowledge required for effective service on the Bench.
