By Vivian Okejeme Abuja
Ahead of 2027, general elections, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned Judges against conflicting interim orders, forum shopping and abuse of ex parte applications, particularly in pre-election disputes.
The CJN urged firm enforcement of procedural discipline to ensure that the Judiciary is not perceived as a tool for political gamesmanship.
She sent this warning while speaking at a special court session to mark the ceremonial commencement of the Federal High Court 2025/2026 legal year and the 41st annual Judges Conference in Abuja on Monday.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also addressed the persistent issue of delay in justice delivery, stressing that Judges must actively manage cases and guide proceedings.
According to her, the National Judicial Council (NJC) would continue to strengthen oversight of case progression to support efficiency and institutional discipline.
On welfare and security, the CJN reaffirmed the commitment of the Judiciary to improving working conditions, infrastructure, research support and safety of judicial officers, noting that a Judge who feels insecure cannot dispense justice confidently.
She called for renewed institutional discipline, deeper digitisation, and unwavering commitment to integrity in the administration of justice.
While commending the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for his leadership, Justice Kekere-Ekun said the Court occupies a central place in Nigeria’s constitutional and legal architecture, with jurisdiction over critical national matters such as revenue, taxation, immigration, maritime operations and intellectual property.
She said, “The Federal High Court was not conceived as a court of peripheral jurisdiction. Its decisions directly shape national policy and public perception of the rule of law”, and acknowledged that public confidence in the Judiciary remains fragile.
The CJN warned that unpredictable or inefficient court processes could undermine even well-reasoned judgments, emphasising that punctuality, consistency in court sittings, and transparent communication with litigants and counsel were essential components of justice delivery.
“Our judgments constitute our voice, and the manner in which we discharge our duties defines the authority and credibility of that voice,” she stated.
The CJN stressed the need for judicial independence anchored on responsibility, courage and moral clarity, while also commending judges of the Federal High Court for continuing to discharge their duties with professionalism despite mounting pressure and public scrutiny.
On reforms, Justice Kekere-Ekun identified digitisation as no longer optional but a core institutional priority and advocated the expansion of virtual hearings, e-filing, electronic case tracking and secure digital records to enhance speed, accountability and public trust in the courts.
Earlier in his speech, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho said, the court fared well in the efforts to enhance efficient and effective service delivery in the past legal year.
At the end of the 2023/2024 legal year, he said a total of 161,999 cases were pending and carried over to the 2024/2025 legal year, adding that, within the period, a total of 19,925 cases were filed, which brought the total number of pending cases to 181,924.
“From this number, a total of 16,019 were disposed of, leaving 165,905 pending cases”, he said and added that of the 16,019 cases disposed of, 3,113 are civil cases, 5,818 are criminal cases, 3,724 are motions and 3,364 are fundamental human rights cases.
The Chief Judge said a total of 44,650 civil cases, 44,078 criminal cases, 46,228 motions and 30,949 fundamental rights enforcement applications remained pending at the end of the last legal year.
He disclosed that the process of appointing 14 additional Judges to the Bench of the court has reached an advanced stage following the approval and support of the CJN and chairman of the NJC.
Also speaking, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN said, the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court over matters that define the country’s economic, regulatory and constitutional framework, places it at the center of national development and investor confidence.
While urging Judges of the court to remain vigilant against any actual or perceived political capture or manipulation, he said, any perception that judicial processes are shaped by partisanship undermines the foundation of the rule of law.
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