The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, emphasized the importance of obeying court orders during a special session at the Supreme Court to mark the new legal year. She stressed that disregarding court orders undermines democracy and can lead to anarchy. Justice Kekere-Ekun highlighted the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and urged everyone to work together to maintain democratic principles and protect citizens’ rights.
She also emphasized the significance of the rule of law in a functional democracy and encouraged lawyers to educate citizens on its importance. Justice Kekere-Ekun mentioned the need to safeguard Nigerians’ rights against oppression and impunity through legal means. Additionally, she suggested embracing alternative dispute resolution methods to reduce the burden on the courts, as excessive litigation contributes to a backlog of cases.
In her role as the substantive CJN, Kekere-Ekun expressed her dedication to enhancing the public’s perception of the judiciary and ensuring that Supreme Court judgments remain impartial. She highlighted the importance of providing support, including healthcare, to both serving and retired judicial officers to preserve their well-being and dignity.