Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Kudirat Kekere-Ekun and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi have issued stern warnings against the proliferation of frivolous complaints targeting judges.
Speaking at the 2024 Justices of the Court of Appeal's annual conference in Abuja, both leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining judicial credibility amidst rising negative perceptions.
Justice Kekere-Ekun highlighted the growing concern over baseless allegations, stating, "There is a growing negative perception of the Judiciary. We must all, individually and collectively, work towards changing this." She assured that the National Judicial Council (NJC) is actively working on mechanisms to ensure that those who make unfounded accusations face appropriate consequences.
The AGF, Lateef Fagbemi, echoed these sentiments, affirming that individuals undermining judicial integrity would be brought to justice. "We are committed to ensuring that the Judiciary operates efficiently and that those responsible for frivolous complaints are held accountable," he declared.
The conference also served as a platform for introspection and dialogue among judicial stakeholders. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal, underscored the need for ongoing self-reflection and improvement within the judiciary. She noted, "Judicial officers occupy a position of paramount importance yet they are not immune to errors, biases, and prejudices."
Former Attorney General Kanu Agabi and Chairman of the Body of Benchers Adegboyega Awomolo further addressed the challenges facing the judiciary, urging society to refrain from unjustly vilifying judicial officers.
Agabi remarked, "It is we who tempt the judges, yet, we are the ones who condemn them when few succumb to these temptations."
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