Judicial efficiency, a cornerstone of public confidence, CJN

By Vivian Okejeme Abuja

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday, said that judicial efficiency is not a mere convenience, but a cornerstone of public confidence.

The CJN, warned court registrars, secretaries of judicial service commissions, directors etc to resist the temptation of indulging in acts that undermine the integrity and efficiency of the judiciary.

Justice Kekere-Ekun gave the charge in her opening address at a hybrid national workshop on court administration and management, organized by the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Abuja.

“Permit me to make a passionate appeal to all participants, especially those serving in sensitive administrative capacities such as Chief Registrars, Secretaries of Judicial Service Commissions, and Directors. Uphold your ethical duties.

“Resist every temptation to compromise the integrity of the system. Support your judges.

“Ensure that court staff assigned to judicial officers are selected strictly on merit and with due regard to character, competence, and discipline.

“Your conduct in these areas will either strengthen or erode the public’s faith in our judiciary” the CJN stated.

Justice Kekere-Ekun reminded participants that a great judiciary is not built solely on the wisdom of its judges but also on the steadfastness, professionalism, and integrity of its court administrators.

Therefore, the CJN encouraged participants to interrogate current practices and embrace progressive reforms with courage and commitment.

In addition, Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that an effective judiciary rests on three foundational pillars: certainty, efficiency, and service.

“There must be certainty in scheduling hearings; it is not enough to file a matter or to list it in the cause list.

“Court administrators must ensure that parties are duly informed of hearing dates, that preliminary matters are addressed in advance, and that no extraneous bottlenecks stand in the way of timely adjudication.

“It is worth reiterating that public perception of the judiciary often begins at the court registry, not necessarily in the courtroom.

“From the moment a litigant or counsel steps into premises, their experience must reflect courtesy, order, and professionalism.

“Every interaction matters. It is therefore incumbent on all judicial and administrative staff to conduct themselves with dignity, respect and fairness at all times, the CJN said.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Administrator of NJI, Justice Salisu Abdullahi, represented by the Institute’s secretary, Olumo Abdulazeez, said the efficient administration and management of Courts is paramount to the effective delivery of justice.

“As custodians of justice, you are constantly challenged to innovate, adapt, and refine your processes in order to uphold the integrity of our justice system.

Justice Abdullahi said the NJI, as the premier training institution for the Nigerian Judiciary, takes cognizance of the foregoing and remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing judicial capacity, and promoting excellence in justice delivery.

In alignment with the theme of the workshop: “Enhancing Judicial Efdiciency and Quality of Service”, the NJI Adminstrator hinted that the programme will provide a unique platform to delve into contemporary issues, share best practices, and equip participants with the requisite knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of modern court operation.

He expressed optimism and exuded confidence that the insights to be gained from the robust discussions will significantly contribute to strengthening the judicial institutions.

In order to cultivate a more dynamic and impactful learning environment, the Institute, Justice Abdullahi said, has thoughtfully revolutionized the delivery and implementation methods of the workshop.

“For instance, we have strategically integrated a variety of interactive elements, including case studies that bring real-world scenarios to life; group discussions that encourage collaborative problem-solving; and goal-setting exercises to personalize your learning journey” the NJI Administrator stated.