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Judiciary has upright people but few are tarnishing our reputation – CJN
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, says that the Nigerian Judiciary has a lot of upright knowledgeable, hardworking and courageous judges, but lamented that there are a few tarnishing this reputation.
The CJN made this known on Saturday at a public discourse in Lagos which had the theme, “Ethics, Morality And The Law”.
The event was held in honour of Justice Habeed Abiru who was recently elevated as a justice of Supreme Court Justice.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who was the Chairperson of the event, used the opportunity to advice all judges to remember that as “individuals, each person is accountable to his or herself and to God”
She stressed that public acceptance of the law also hinges on its alignment with fundamental principles, the need for clarity, stability and independence of the judiciary, as well as the fair exercise of authority by law enforcement.
She added that the perspective of the ordinary citizen, who observes and assesses the extent to which ethics, morality and the law coexist harmoniously in society must be taken into consideration.
According to the CJN, the foundations of justice that we rely upon today, are influenced by the Abrahamic faith prevalent in our society, adding that both Islam and Christianity preach morality uprightness and righteousness.
She said “The role of the legal practitioner within this framework, merits particular attention. The lawyer, often seen as both antagonist and protagonist in the pursuit of justice, must navigate a terrain, where law, ethics and morality intersect.
“This dual role requires balancing the scriptures and the law with ethical constitutions, often containing with moral and legal questions that may seem at odds. As a minister in the temple of justice, the lawyer’s commitment to justice involves upholding legal standards, while advancing principles that follow society’s ethical expectations.
“The essence of the students is indeed the study of this relationship between morality, ethics and the law, especially when considering the historical distinction between courts of law and courts of equity, which reflects humanity’s ongoing quest to balance justice with fairness.
“The degree to which this alignment is achieved influences public trust in the judiciary and the law, affirming that our legal system should not only administer justice, but also resonate with the community’s moral convictions.
The CJN states that “It is essential, however, to recognize for societal advancement, law cannot be supplanted by moral or ethical indications alone, given the diversity of moral and ethical perspectives.
“The assertive nature of the law is therefore indispensable for peace, order and security, goals that cannot be reliably achieved through ethics and morality alone.
“Public acceptance of the law also hinges on its alignment with fundamental principles, the need for clarity, stability and independence of the judiciary, as well as the fair exercise of authority by law enforcement”.
She congratulated Justice Habib Adewale Adiru on his elevation to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, adding that it was well deserved
In his remarks at the event, Emir of Kano, His Highness, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II asked Nigerian judges especially justices of the Supreme Court to administer justice with the fear of God, and remember that they are accountable to God.
The Emir, who said his new year resolution is that, he no longer wants to be controversial, however urged the judges to be upright and should not allow hatred for people to make them to do what is not right.
He said judges should focus more on substantive justice, and not rely on technicalities
“Do not be an advocate for wrongdoers and do not be an advocate for those who deceive themselves, because Allah does not love sinful wrongdoers.
“When your friends come to you, when government comes to you, and you listen to them and you tilt judgement in their favour. Ask yourself, who will be your advocate before God, on the Day of Judgment?
Speaking on the theme “Ethics, Morality and the Law – Christian Perspective, the Very Reverend Professor Konyinsola Ajayi SAN condemned what he termed “lawlessness in the law” and urged Nigeria’s legal professionals to reflect on the role of ethics and morality within the judiciary.
Ajayi cited specific cases as examples of the judicial system’s failure, including the controversy surrounding the Emir of Kano, which he described as “an emanation of lawlessness.”
He questioned whether the rule of law truly underpins current judicial practices, adding that decisions the courts often confused the public rather than provide clarity.
He said “The law today is providing the greatest uncertainty you can think about. The Nigerian judiciary was one of the best in the world. Australia, New Zealand, and the Commonwealth referenced Nigerian court decisions,” he said. However, he acknowledged that today’s legal system suffers from an erosion of this reputation due to inconsistent judgments and a perceived lack of accountability among judges.
Addressing the religious implications of the judiciary’s role, Ajayi appealed to the moral and ethical responsibilities that judges bear. “God is the author of morality and ethics. He created the law and requires it to be underpinned by these things,” he stressed, drawing parallels between judicial conduct and religious values. He urged judges to remember the divine justice they represent, warning that “there is punishment by God for these things,” as judges are appointed to serve and uphold justice.
Ajayi’s remarks included a call for all Nigerians, particularly those in positions of power, to examine their actions within the broader ethical framework of their faiths. “The commonality between Muslims, Christians, and the ideal person is a life of impact, not about money,” he said, urging judges to focus on delivering “judgments of impact” that inspire public trust and reflect genuine ethical considerations.
Ajayi emphasised the critical role of justice in building a fair society, cautioning that neglecting this principle would ultimately destabilise the nation.
“Justice is the foundation of society, and we must be careful to ensure that it does not become what will bring the house down,” he concluded.
His address, filled with moral and religious undertones, resonated with the audience and has reignited conversations about judicial reform in Nigeria, with calls for ethical training and a renewed focus on morality in law.
Also speaking on the theme Ethics, Morality and the Law -Role of legal practitioner, the former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola SAN said the greatest tool that humans have invented is law, adding that law separates humans from animals.
“The first tool that the human civilization has ever invented is law. We invented many tools and that’s why we have survived beyond our well-known ancestors, who have been well-documented. But law has kept us going. It has separated us from animals, and they resolve their disputes and their conflicts which are necessary by might.
“But law has constrained us to the civilization that we now enjoy, and to quote Thomas Hobbes, that if there was no law, life within the masses would be brutish and debauchery.
“Of course, I acknowledge that ethics and morality are the foundation of humanity from which love springs and I make the point that often what then becomes legislated or accepted as law is a function of what society now says this is the way to do it and it often comes in the pursuit of development.
“As we become more civilized, we become more knowledgeable, our positions change, our moral compass is also expanding”.
In his comments on the the issue, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister for justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) underscored the importance of fairness and integrity in the Nigerian legal system, urging legal professionals to recommit to ethical values.
Fagbemi also highlighted the need for improvement in both legal personnel and processes, drawing attention to ongoing challenges in the pursuit of justice.
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By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
At least 12 local government areas in Kaduna State have reportedly been sidelined in the multi-million-dollar Urban Renewal Programme initiated by the immediate past administration of Nasir El-Rufai, despite ongoing repayments of a $350m World Bank loan secured for the project.
Stakeholders across the state have raised alarm over the alleged lopsided implementation of the infrastructural programme, with several communities in Southern and Central Kaduna lamenting neglect and abandonment.
Field investigations by Our Correspondent revealed that not a single kilometre of road has been completed in LGAs such as Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Ikara, Jaba, Kagarko, Kajuru, Kauru, Kudan, Makarfi, Sanga, Soba, and Zangon Kataf—some of the poorest and most underserved areas in the state.
Sources within the affected communities alleged that while construction flag-offs were conducted with fanfare, the projects never progressed beyond groundbreaking stages. In many instances, equipment was abandoned and contractors demobilised shortly after the ceremonies.
Transparency advocates and civil society organisations have described the situation as a gross injustice. Comrade Phelimon Andrew, a Zango-Kataf-based activist, called for a legislative probe into the programme.
“We can’t keep taking loans for political PR. The communities have a right to know where every dollar went,” Andrew said.
The World Bank facility, secured under the El-Rufai administration, was intended to fund the Urban Renewal Programme—a signature initiative aimed at modernising infrastructure across the state. However, critics say the implementation has been anything but inclusive.
Residents expressed frustration over deteriorating road conditions and failed promises. Musa Yakubu, a commercial motorcyclist in Sabo Tasha, said the abandoned roadworks have made commuting both costly and hazardous.
“This road was supposed to be completed under El-Rufai’s administration. Now it’s just a dust trap in dry season and a muddy mess when it rains,” he lamented.
Similarly, Gimbiya Musa, who runs a shop near the stalled Television Garage–Sabo Tasha bridge, said her business has suffered a 50 per cent decline in sales due to low customer traffic.
In Zitti village, Zango Kataf LGA, residents reported that children now play on half-graded roads while open drains attract refuse dumps.
“It’s a constant reminder of a broken promise,” said Ezekiel Haruna, a community leader.
A school teacher in Kafanchan, Fatima Bello, added: “El-Rufai gave us hope that Kaduna would be transformed. What we got were potholes, dust storms and traffic chaos.”
Garba Habibu from Birnin Gwari, one of the hardest-hit LGAs, called on Governor Uba Sani to probe the previous administration.
“This administration must tell us the truth about what happened to the $350m World Bank loan. We deserve answers,” he said.
An insider within the state Ministry of Works, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that about 76 per cent of the projects were concentrated in Kaduna North Senatorial District, leaving Southern and Central zones with abandoned sites.
A youth leader in Kaura also criticised the unequal spread of development.
“How can we keep paying back a loan and have nothing to show for it?” he asked, citing the stalled Yarbwan–Kafanchan road as an example.
In Birnin Gwari, plagued by insecurity and poor road access, residents said the failed projects have compounded their suffering. Government insiders confirmed to PUNCH that many of the affected LGAs never saw project completion or even contractor mobilisation.
“Everything was about media visibility and urban optics,” one source within the Kaduna Government House said.
Community leaders are now demanding urgent attention and equity in infrastructural development, warning that continued marginalisation may breed discontent.
Efforts to reach the Kaduna State Ministry of Works for official comment were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to key officials were not returned at press time.
The Federal Government has announced that discussions are underway regarding the safe and dignified return of 15,000 Nigerians stranded in Cameroon, Niger, Chad, and other parts of the world.
Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), made this statement during a media briefing on Friday in Abuja.
Ahmed highlighted that there are currently no fewer than six million displaced individuals within Nigeria, while thousands of refugees reside in various countries around the globe.
“We have 15,000 Nigerians wishing to return to the country voluntarily, and we also have at least 100,000 foreigners residing in Nigeria as refugees.
“All of these fall under the commission’s responsibilities, to provide them with support,” he stated.
While reaffirming the government’s relentless efforts to ensure the safe return of displaced persons, Ahmed expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the assistance extended to the commission and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
The NCFRMI chief also revealed that Nigeria will host the inaugural thematic meeting under its chairmanship of the Rabat Process, with over 100 delegates from the 57 partner countries expected to attend.
It is worth noting that Nigeria assumed the chairmanship of the Rabat Process—a Euro-African dialogue on migration and development—in January 2025.
Ahmed stated that the meeting, scheduled for 13 and 14 May, themed “Youth, Innovation and Education: Driving the Future of Migration,” aims to facilitate bilateral discussions between Nigeria and other nations, ultimately enhancing migration governance.
“Membership in these platforms offers opportunities for knowledge transfer and improved migration management.
“Nigeria’s leadership in the Rabat Process is viewed as advantageous, despite its one-year term,” he added.
The federal commissioner also addressed the challenges of managing migration, emphasising the need for adequate advocacy to educate younger generations about legal migration pathways.
“There is a necessity to inform migrants about the repercussions of irregular migration, which can lead to negative outcomes.
“The focus should be on promoting legal migration pathways to reduce the number of irregular migrants.
“Regular migration involves travelling through lawful channels, whereas irregular migration often entails perilous and unlawful methods.
“Irregular migration can result in hardship and danger, leaving many migrants unable to return to their home countries,” he remarked.
Ahmed, therefore, called for improved coordination and support from various stakeholders, including the media, to enhance migration governance.
Kano State’s influence in Nigeria’s leadership landscape was reaffirmed as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso were named top honorees at the 10th Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony organized by Authentic News Daily.
The event, set for Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Arewa House in Kaduna, will celebrate their contributions to governance and public service.
According to a statement by Governor Yusuf’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the ceremony will also honor Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as the “Authentic Woman of the Year.”
Governor Yusuf will receive the “Authentic Humanitarian Governor of the Year 2024” award for his transformative leadership and grassroots development initiatives, which have significantly improved lives in Kano State.
Senator Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former Kano governor, will be recognized as the “Authentic Politician of the Year 2024” for his visionary leadership and enduring legacy of mentorship.
Themed “Religion as a Tool for Peace and National Unity,” the event will feature a keynote address by former Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd). Prominent speakers, including Rev. Joseph John Hayab of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Sheikh Halliru Abdullahi Maraya of the Global Peace Foundation, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, will discuss the role of religion in fostering national unity.
The awards committee lauded Yusuf and Kwankwaso for their “remarkable dedication to public good” and “unmatched service to humanity,” noting that the honors followed a rigorous evaluation of their impact and national relevance.
The recognition of Kano’s leaders underscores the state’s prominence in Nigerian politics and highlights a shared commitment to purpose-driven governance.