The Supreme Court of Nigeria Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has advised newly appointed judges of the lower courts to reject unsolicited gifts and avoid unnecessary birthday celebrations, warning that such practices could expose them to allegations of misconduct and petitions.
The CJN gave the advice on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of an induction course for newly appointed judges in Abuja.
Represented by the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Babatunde Adejumo, Kekere-Ekun urged the judges to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism while discharging their judicial responsibilities.
She also charged the new judges to ensure the speedy hearing and determination of cases, stressing that timely justice is essential to maintaining public confidence in the judiciary.
The CJN emphasised the need for judges to maintain effective working relationships with court officials, particularly registrars and exhibit keepers, noting that teamwork is critical to the efficient administration of justice.
“You must work harmoniously with all the officials under you and ensure that you manage them diplomatically and technically,” she said.
She further urged the judges to familiarise themselves with court rules to avoid being misled by legal practitioners.
“You must also read the rules of court so that lawyers will not take you for a ride. Read everything that comes before you,” she added.
Kekere-Ekun warned judges against accepting unsolicited gifts or organising elaborate birthday celebrations, saying such events often create opportunities for inappropriate gifts that could result in petitions or allegations of ethical misconduct.
“Most importantly, do not allow unsolicited gifts. You must equally avoid throwing unnecessary birthday parties. People will seize the opportunity to bring unsolicited gifts that can lead to petitions,” she said.
She also advised the judges to maintain respect for their heads of court and exercise restraint in invoking the court’s power of contempt.
“I will also enjoin you not to use your power of contempt too much. It should be used sparingly; otherwise, it may backfire,” she cautioned.
In his welcome address, Justice Babatunde Adejumo congratulated the newly appointed judges, describing their appointments as a significant responsibility in safeguarding constitutional supremacy, promoting the rule of law, and delivering justice to Nigerians.
He noted that lower courts serve as the foundation of the country’s justice system by resolving the majority of disputes involving ordinary citizens while easing the workload of superior courts.
“By virtue of your appointments, you now form part of a judicial tier that is absolutely vital to the effective functioning of our legal system,” Adejumo said.
He explained that the induction programme was designed to equip the judges with the ethical principles, courtroom management skills, and practical knowledge required to perform their duties effectively.
According to him, the training focuses on judicial conduct, ethics, social context awareness, courtroom dynamics, and the practical application of substantive and procedural laws to strengthen the administration of justice.
