Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged the Nigerian Bar Association to refrain from filing frivolous petitions against judges, stressing the need to protect judicial integrity.
Her position was conveyed in a statement on Tuesday, April 29, by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Tobi Soniyi.
According to the CJN, many corruption allegations made against judicial officers lack substance and are simply aimed at intimidation.
“Some people write petitions against judges simply to intimidate them,” she said.
She further noted that judges are often left traumatised by investigations that eventually clear them of wrongdoing.
“Anyone accusing judges of corruption must support the allegation with clear and credible evidence,” she said.
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Justice Kekere-Ekun also expressed disappointment over the NBA’s silence when judges are publicly maligned without cause.
She criticised lawyers who go on television to castigate judges without even reading the court’s judgments.
The CJN urged senior lawyers to mentor younger colleagues in professionalism and discipline, adding that the legal profession must defend, not discredit, the judiciary.
She encouraged anyone with genuine complaints against judges to approach the National Judicial Council.
Chairman of the NBA Bar and Bench Forum, Richard Ahonaruogho, echoed the CJN’s concerns, recommending that the NJC discard frivolous petitions and sanction petitioners with heavy costs to deter abuse.
Ahonaruogho also appealed to the CJN to help foster mutual respect between the Bar and the Bench.