Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has emphasized the need for reforms in the judiciary, with a focus on digitalization, discipline, and anti-corruption measures.
She has pledged to introduce digitalization in the courts to streamline the administration of justice and has warned that judges found guilty of misconduct will face tough consequences.
Additionally, she indicated that lawyers who knowingly assist in improper activities will also be held accountable.
Justice Kekere-Ekun made these remarks during her confirmation hearing at the Senate in Abuja, where she was accompanied by other justices of the Supreme Court.
Following the hearing, she was cleared for her substantive status as the 23rd CJN.
In her statement, Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized her commitment to upholding the integrity of the judiciary, stating that she is known for her strict adherence to discipline and integrity.
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She highlighted her plans to ensure zero tolerance for corruption within the judiciary and to expedite the handling of petitions.
Furthermore, Justice Kekere-Ekun expressed gratitude for the recent increase in the salaries of Judicial Officers, acknowledging the support of the President and the National Assembly.
She also stressed the importance of improving the welfare and infrastructure of judicial officers to enable them to perform at their best.
Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized the importance of ensuring the independence of the judiciary and the need for a transparent and rigorous screening process for the appointment of judicial officers.
She also highlighted the significance of limiting the cases that reach the Supreme Court to those with public policy significance, matters related to the Constitution, or rare legal issues.
She expressed her belief that many matters should be resolved at the Court of Appeal to alleviate the backlog at the Supreme Court.
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Justice Kekere-Ekun also stressed the need for strict consequences for infractions, such as deliberate failure to follow legal precedents, and emphasized the responsibility of both legal practitioners and the judiciary in addressing conflicting judgments and forum shopping.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria emphasized the importance of digitalization in the courts, stating that efforts will be made to make the courts digital.
She highlighted the need for courts to have accessible websites for the public to follow court activities and for court judgments to be uploaded promptly. Additionally, she stressed the necessity of reviewing court rules to enhance efficiency and improve the delivery of justice.
She mentioned that the Supreme Court currently operates based on a new set of rules approved after the committee she chaired reviewed the rules, and she intends to extend this to other levels of courts.
During the screening, some of the senators who asked her questions included Senate Chief Whip Senator Mohammed Monguno, Senator Tony Nwoye, Senator Simeon Lalong, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.
