CJN Warns New Judges on Economic and Governance Implications of Their Decisions

Abuja – Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, has urged newly appointed judges of the Federal High Court to view their elevation to the bench as a solemn constitutional responsibility rather than a mere promotion. She emphasized that their rulings would significantly influence the nation’s economic stability, governance, and public confidence in the judiciary.

Justice Kekere-Ekun made the remarks while administering the Oath of Allegiance and Judicial Oath at a swearing-in ceremony held at the Supreme Court Complex in Abuja.

“You have assumed not merely an office, but a solemn constitutional responsibility,” the CJN said. “From this moment, you cease to belong wholly to yourselves; you belong to the law, to your conscience, and to the Nigerian people.”

She highlighted the critical role of the Federal High Court, which handles revenue, banking, maritime affairs, intellectual property, and other complex commercial and regulatory cases whose outcomes often extend beyond the courtroom to affect markets, institutions, and national governance.

Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that the new judges were selected through one of the most rigorous, transparent, and technology-driven judicial appointment processes in Nigeria. She explained that the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Federal Judicial Service Commission strengthened evaluation procedures to prioritize merit, integrity, competence, and temperament, while also incorporating structured public participation.

Expressing concern over rising public attacks on the judiciary, the CJN warned that sweeping allegations of corruption, made without evidence or recourse to official complaint channels, could undermine public trust and unfairly damage the reputations of hardworking judges.

“While the judiciary does not claim infallibility and will discipline misconduct where established, independence must be protected from careless assault,” she said. “When confidence in the courts collapses, the rule of law itself is imperiled.”

She advised the judges to maintain discipline, punctuality, and impartiality, cautioning that delays caused by inefficiency or poor case management amount to justice denied. She also urged them to resist pressures—social, political, financial, or relational—that could compromise their independence or public perception.

“The oath you have taken today is not ceremonial language; it is a covenant with God and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the CJN said, calling on judges to embrace continuous judicial education, modern case management practices, and ongoing digitization within the court system.

Congratulating them, Justice Kekere-Ekun encouraged the judges to justify the confidence placed in them through daily discipline and unwavering integrity, expressing hope that their tenure would strengthen the Federal High Court and deepen public trust in Nigeria’s justice system.

The 14 judges sworn in were part of 36 judicial officers recommended by the NJC for various courts nationwide, including the Supreme Court, State High Courts, Sharia Courts of Appeal, and Customary Courts of Appeal. Their appointments followed the NJC’s 110th meeting held on January 13–14, where 14 candidates were approved for the Federal High Court bench.