Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has issued a stern warning to newly appointed judges of the lower courts, advising them to reject unsolicited gifts and avoid extravagant birthday celebrations, warning that such practices could expose them to petitions and jeopardise their careers. Kekere-Ekun gave the advice on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, during the opening ceremony of an induction course for new judges, organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja.
The CJN, who was represented at the event by the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, challenged the new judges to ensure the speedy and fair determination of cases brought before them, stressing that only expeditious hearings would guarantee the continued confidence of litigants in the judiciary. She emphasised the importance of synergy between judges and court officials, particularly registrars and exhibit keepers, warning that failure to work harmoniously could undermine the efficiency of the courts.
"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," Kekere-Ekun said. She also cautioned the new judges against being rude to their heads of court and advised them to use their powers of contempt sparingly. "I will also enjoin you not to use your power of contempt too much. It should be used sparingly, otherwise it may backfire," she added.
The CJN further urged the judges to study the rules of court thoroughly to avoid being misled by lawyers. "You must also read the rules of courts so that lawyers will not take you for a ride. Read everything that comes before you," she stated. Her remarks underscored the critical role that lower court judges play in the judiciary, describing them as the primary facilitators of grassroots justice. "As judges of the lower courts, you play a key role in the judiciary," she said.
In his welcome address, the NJI Administrator, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, congratulated the new judges and reminded them of the sacred duty they now bear. "By virtue of your appointments, you now form part of a judicial tier that is absolutely vital to the effective functioning of our legal system," Adejumo said. He noted that lower courts act as crucial filters that streamline the workload of superior courts and enhance overall efficiency. "Beyond being the primary facilitators of grassroots justice, by resolving the vast majority of cases directly affecting ordinary Nigerian citizens, the Lower Courts act as crucial filters that streamline the workload of the Superior Courts, thereby enhancing overall efficiency."
Adejumo explained that the induction course was designed to instil core values of judicial conduct, ethics, and social context awareness, while also providing deeper insights into courtroom dynamics and the practical application of substantive and procedural laws. "The essence of the induction course was to instil the core values of judicial conduct, ethics, and social context awareness. Furthermore, it is designed to offer deeper insights into courtroom dynamics, alongside the practical application of substantive and procedural laws within the adjudicatory sphere," he said.
The CJN's warning comes amid growing concerns over judicial integrity and public confidence in the judiciary. Her emphasis on rejecting unsolicited gifts and avoiding lavish celebrations aligns with broader efforts to insulate the judiciary from corruption and external influence. The induction course for new judges is part of the NJI's capacity-building initiatives aimed at easing the transition of newly appointed judicial officers to the bench, while equipping them with the tools needed to uphold constitutional supremacy and the rule of law.
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