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Be wary of unsolicited gifts, CJN warns new judges
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Be wary of unsolicited gifts, CJN warns new judges

From Vanguard · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Chief Justice of Nigeria warned new judges against accepting unsolicited gifts, citing potential trouble.
  • Judges were urged to ensure speedy and fair case determinations to maintain public confidence.
  • The National Judicial Institute Administrator stressed the vital role of lower courts in the justice system and the importance of judicial conduct.

Newly appointed judges in Nigeria have been cautioned against accepting unsolicited gifts, a practice that could lead to serious repercussions. Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, delivered this warning during the induction course for new judges, emphasizing the critical need for swift and equitable case resolutions.

You must read the rules of courts so that lawyers will not take you for a ride. Read everything that comes before you.

— Justice Babatunde AdejumoThe Administrator of the National Judicial Institute advising new judges during their induction.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, represented by the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Babatunde Adejumo, highlighted that only expeditious hearings can sustain litigants' trust in the judiciary. She also stressed the importance of harmonious working relationships between judges and court officials, particularly registrars and exhibit keepers.

You must also read the rules of courts so that lawyers will not take you for a ride. Read everything that comes before you.

— Justice Babatunde AdejumoThe Administrator of the National Judicial Institute advising new judges during their induction.

"You must read the rules of courts so that lawyers will not take you for a ride. Read everything that comes before you," Justice Adejumo advised, echoing the CJN's sentiment. He further warned against unnecessary birthday celebrations, which can present opportunities for people to offer gifts that might trigger petitions against judges.

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.

— Justice Kudirat Kekere-EkunThe Chief Justice of Nigeria warning new judges about accepting gifts.

Justice Adejumo also reminded the new judges of their significant responsibility in upholding constitutional supremacy and the Rule of Law. He described the lower courts as vital to the legal system, serving as the primary facilitators of grassroots justice and crucial filters for the workload of superior courts. Capacity-building initiatives like the induction course are designed to provide a solid foundation for their transition to the bench, instilling core values of judicial conduct, ethics, and social context awareness.

As judges of the lower courts, you play a key role in the judiciary. Ensure that you are not rude to your heads of court.

— Justice Kudirat Kekere-EkunThe Chief Justice of Nigeria addressing new judges about their role and conduct.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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