Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged newly appointed magistrates and judges of lower courts to uphold integrity, shun corruption, and ensure fairness in the discharge of their duties.
She gave the charge on Monday while declaring open the Induction Course for Newly Appointed Magistrates and Judges of the Lower Courts (Batch B) at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Abuja. The CJN was represented at the event by NJI Administrator, Justice Babatunde Adejumo.
Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasised that lower courts are the first point of contact between citizens and the justice system, placing an enormous responsibility on magistrates to deliver impartial and transparent judgments.
“Guard your integrity jealously. Be vigilant against corruption in any guise and avoid any perception of bias. Remember the words of Socrates, that a judge should ‘hear courteously, answer wisely, consider soberly, and decide impartially,’” she advised.
She noted that this year’s theme, Enhancing Judicial Efficiency and Quality of Decision-Making, was timely, as judicial officers are constantly assessed by the quality and timeliness of their decisions.
The CJN also encouraged magistrates to embrace reforms such as alternative dispute resolution, sentencing guidelines, and technology-driven case management tools, while reminding them that judicial independence remains central to public trust.
Commending the NJI Education Committee led by Justice John Okoro and its Administrator, Justice Adejumo, she acknowledged the collaboration of the Judicial College of England and Wales in strengthening training on ethics, sentencing, and case management.
Declaring the programme open, she expressed confidence that the training would equip the new officers to meet the demands of justice in a rapidly changing society.
In his remarks, Justice Adejumo warned participants against absenteeism, stressing that no certificates would be awarded to those who fail to complete the course. He further cautioned magistrates to respect constitutional rights, particularly in granting bail.
“Uphold integrity in your duties and steer clear of corruption. Bail must be granted where the law provides for it. Do not allow injustice to fester in your courts,” he said.
