Congratulations, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun: Essential Legal Therapy Moves for Transforming Justice, by John Egbeazien Oshodi

Congratulations, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun: Will You Champion a Ruthless Judicial Overhaul to Eradicate Corruption and Injustice, or Succumb to the Stench of Enabling and Betray Your Oath?

Cheers on your recent appointment as Chief Justice of Nigeria. This pivotal role offers a significant opportunity to instigate vital improvements within a judicial system long characterized by skepticism, inefficiency, and systemic corruption. However, as you embrace this position, it is crucial to confront the harsh realities of the challenges ahead, recognizing that transformation requires more than just good intentions—it demands bold and decisive action.

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, your ascent to this pivotal role comes with a legacy intertwined with the very system you now inhabit. As a member of this judiciary, you have witnessed its flaws and the pervasive corruption that undermines justice. However, you stand at a crossroads—an opportunity to break from the past. This is your moment to redefine your legacy and demonstrate that true justice can prevail. Will you seize this chance to be a beacon of change, or will you continue down the well-trodden path? The choice is yours.

The judiciary you now lead is under intense scrutiny due to its historical entanglement with corruption, political manipulation, and a profound erosion of public trust. Your leadership must reflect an unwavering commitment to dismantling these deeply rooted issues. Are you genuinely prepared to tackle this monumental task? Or will your tenure merely perpetuate the cycle of disappointment and mistrust that has defined Nigerian jurisprudence?

Your judgments thus far have ignited significant controversy, notably the 2019 ruling in the Imo State gubernatorial election, which controversially declared Hope Uzodinma the winner despite his initial fourth-place finish. This decision has not only cast doubt on the judiciary’s integrity but has also raised alarms about its susceptibility to political pressures. Will you take a stand to ensure that such decisions reflect a commitment to justice rather than political expediency? The integrity of the judiciary rests upon your shoulders, and the public’s faith in your ability to lead reform is contingent upon your actions moving forward.

Furthermore, the specter of nepotism looms large over the Nigerian judiciary, as evidenced by alarming practices such as judges appointing their relatives to influential positions within the system. Justice Arowoola’s appointment of his children is emblematic of a troubling trend that undermines the democratic principles of meritocracy and fairness. As CJN, you must take a decisive stance against these undemocratic practices. Will you prioritize the establishment of a judiciary built on integrity, where appointments are based solely on merit rather than familial connections? Your refusal to tolerate such nepotism will signal a commitment to restoring public confidence in the judicial process.

Equally concerning is the phenomenon of judges accepting cases from jurisdictions outside their rightful purview. This practice not only compromises the integrity of judicial processes but also opens the door to political manipulation. Are you prepared to assertively challenge this status quo? It is crucial that judges adhere strictly to jurisdictional guidelines, ensuring that justice is administered fairly and impartially, without undue influence from external pressures.

As you assume your role as Chief Justice of Nigeria, please take note of the significant public concern regarding the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that recognized Senate President Ahmad Lawan as the legitimate senatorial candidate for Yobe North. Many view this decision as a “daylight robbery,” highlighting fears of political manipulation within the judiciary.

Supporters of Bashir Machina emphasize that Lawan did not participate in the primaries, raising serious questions about the ruling’s integrity. It is crucial for you to safeguard the judiciary from political influences, as the perception of fairness and impartiality is vital to restoring public confidence in our legal system.

Moreover, the troubling trend of judges acting as political instruments—issuing conflicting restraining orders that serve political agendas rather than upholding the law—must be confronted. This behavior not only tarnishes the judiciary’s reputation but also deepens the public’s skepticism about its independence. Oh, don’t forget to seek out the root of these disturbances: the unethically driven senior lawyers with the designation SAN. Will you have the courage to root out these manipulative practices? Your commitment to maintaining the integrity of the judiciary is paramount in restoring the public’s faith in the system.

The lingering allegations regarding your asset declaration raise significant concerns about accountability. The public’s demand for transparency in this matter is not a mere bureaucratic formality; it is essential for restoring credibility to the judiciary. The failure of the Code of Conduct Bureau to investigate these claims further exacerbates the perception of a judiciary resistant to accountability. Will you take immediate action to address these concerns and demonstrate that your leadership is committed to authenticity and integrity?

Retired Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad’s critique of the excessive concentration of power within the CJN’s office serves as a crucial reminder of the need for reform. The CJN’s multiple roles in various judicial bodies can lead to authoritarianism if left unchecked. Will you actively engage with these critiques and advocate for a more inclusive decision-making process within the judiciary? Fostering accountability and transparency is essential for promoting a judiciary that serves the interests of the Nigerian people.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, if you are serious about your commitment to relocating and addressing these systemic issues, will you be bold enough to transfer judges known for their political games, especially those in Abuja? Your decisive action in this area could send a clear message that the judiciary will not tolerate practices that undermine its integrity. Additionally, it is crucial to stop judges from accepting cases outside their jurisdictions, as this practice only serves to further entrench the issues of corruption and manipulation.

A critical component of restoring integrity within the judiciary is the need for constant ethical training and continued education for judges. Establishing programs that focus on ethical behavior and judicial conduct is essential for ensuring that the judiciary not only understands but actively practices the highest standards of integrity.

These training sessions should not rely on overseas travel or external resources that often prove impractical and costly. Instead, local online and face-to-face training opportunities should be prioritized, making them accessible to judges throughout Nigeria. This approach not only enhances the quality of judicial education but also fosters a deeper understanding of the unique legal and cultural contexts within which Nigerian judges operate. By investing in ongoing professional development, the judiciary can ensure that judges are equipped with the tools necessary to uphold justice in a manner that reflects the values and needs of Nigerian society.

In addition, embracing technology is not merely a modern trend; it is an urgent necessity for the transformation of our judicial system. The era of judges scribbling notes with pen and paper is long past; we must advance towards integrating sophisticated case management systems that not only streamline judicial processes but also bolster transparency and accountability. By digitizing records and automating workflows, we can eliminate delays and reduce the opportunities for corruption that currently plague the system.

Moreover, we must confront the uncomfortable truth that corrupt judges exist within our ranks. Instead of shielding them behind the walls of the National Judicial Council (NJC), we must ensure they face legal repercussions by reporting their misconduct to law enforcement. The NJC’s internal review mechanisms often foster a culture of complicity, where peers protect one another instead of upholding the principles of justice. This cycle of protection must end; accountability should be swift and uncompromising.

Additionally, the push for a state-based judicial system mirrors the ongoing debates about establishing state police. This approach acknowledges that the complexities of justice are not one-size-fits-all. Each state in Nigeria faces distinct challenges that require customized strategies to address local needs effectively. By empowering state judiciaries to develop solutions tailored to their unique contexts, we can cultivate public trust and ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done. In doing so, we create a system that is responsive, accountable, and deeply connected to the communities it serves.

As you embark on this monumental journey, remember that your legacy will be carved not just by your good intentions, but by the fearless actions you take to dismantle the oppressive practices that have long kept ordinary Nigerians from accessing justice. The stakes have never been higher, and the demand for genuine change is urgent.

Let’s not pretend: you grew up amidst this rot, and you have witnessed firsthand the dysfunction within the system. Yet, you have the power to do what is right. You will face immense pressure from powerful figures, and you must be prepared to take the risks necessary to stand up for justice, even if it means risking your position or reputation. If you are truly committed to revolutionizing the judiciary and protecting its independence, now is the moment to act decisively. This is your chance to break free from the chains of complacency and forge a judiciary that stands firm on principles of integrity, not political favors.

Will you rise to the occasion and transform the judiciary into a fierce defender of justice, unyielding in the face of manipulation? The eyes of the public are upon you, and the demand for real, impactful change has reached a fever pitch. Will your tenure ignite a genuine revolution within our judiciary, or will it simply perpetuate the same cycle of disappointment? The weight of this responsibility rests on your shoulders, and the future of our judiciary—and the very fabric of our democracy—hinges on your courage to act with conviction and purpose. Wish you well madam Justice!

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, public policy psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at Weldios University, Nexus International University, and Walden University.