The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has cautioned newly appointed judges of the lower courts against accepting unsolicited gifts, warning that such actions could expose them to petitions and erode public confidence in the judiciary.
The warning was delivered on Tuesday during the opening of an induction course for newly appointed judges. The Chief Justice was represented at the event by the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Babatunde Adejumo.
Addressing the judges, Kekere-Ekun urged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity and ensure the timely, fair and impartial dispensation of justice.
She also advised them to avoid hosting elaborate birthday celebrations, noting that such occasions could provide opportunities for individuals to offer inappropriate gifts capable of compromising their integrity.
“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,” she said.
In his remarks, Justice Adejumo congratulated the new judges on their appointments, describing the role of a judge as a solemn responsibility that requires unwavering commitment to the rule of law and access to justice.
He explained that the induction programme was designed to equip participants with practical knowledge of judicial ethics, courtroom administration and the application of substantive and procedural laws to prepare them for their new responsibilities on the bench.