The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has expressed deep concern over persistent allegations of corruption, judicial delays, and bias that continue to plague the country’s judiciary, despite ongoing reform efforts.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday while declaring open the 2025 hybrid refresher course for judges of superior courts, Kekere-Ekun highlighted the far-reaching consequences of these issues on public trust in the judicial system.
The CJN stressed that these challenges not only weaken the judiciary’s authority but also erode public confidence, creating a dangerous disconnect between the courts and the society they serve. She called for decisive action to restore faith in the system.
“In spite of our collective efforts, challenges persist; allegations of corruption, delays in the dispensation of justice, and perceptions of bias or inefficiency remain issues of concern.
“The onus is therefore on us to confront these challenges head-on and reaffirm our commitment to judicial excellence,” Kekere-Ekun urged.
She stated that the judiciary, as the final arbiter of disputes and custodian of constitutional order, does not operate in isolation. Instead, its legitimacy is tied to the trust and confidence reposed in it by the public.
“Without public confidence, the judiciary’s moral authority is diminished, and its ability to discharge its constitutional mandate is impaired,” she warned, adding that integrity, professionalism, and transparency are essential to rebuilding trust.
Reiterating the importance of judicial impartiality, the CJN cautioned that even the perception of bias or misconduct could be as damaging as the reality itself.
“It is not enough to be impartial; we must also be seen to be impartial,” she added.
