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The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged judges of lower courts to embody fairness, respect, and diligence in their decision-making.

The chief judge made the remark while speaking at the 2024 All Nigerian Judges Conference in Abuja. The event was organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

Kekere-Ekun emphasized the judiciary’s commitment to ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism.

“The public looks to you with hope and expectation, and it is through your diligent efforts that we can continue to build trust in our judicial system,” she said.

Kekere-Ekun stressed that judges must guide themselves with renewed commitment to excellence, integrity, and justice for all Nigerians. She noted that lower courts play a fundamental role in the judicial system, particularly for citizens at the grassroots level.

She said, “These are places where citizens expect swift, equitable, and substantial justice.

“As judges, you are not only arbiters of disputes but also guardians of the law. Your astuteness, dedication, and fairness inspire confidence in our judicial system, fostering a culture of respect for the rule of law that is essential to our nation’s development,” she added.

Meanwhile, NJI Administrator Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi cautioned judges against compromising their integrity or caving to external pressure.

He urged the judges to place a premium on the sanctity of their offices and treat with great responsibility the public confidence reposed in them and the judiciary by extension, especially by those at the grassroots level.

The conference had the theme: “Strengthening Justice, Upholding the Rule of Law.”