You have significant impact on public perception of judiciary – CJN tells Lower court judges

By Vivian Okejeme Abuja

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere- Ekun, Monday, reiterated the significant impact the lower courts have on the public perception of Justice in Nigeria.
The CJN maintained that it is crucial to view the lower courts not merely as judicial institutions but as pillars of justice, equity and community engagement.
Declaring the 2024, conference of All Nigerian Judges of the Lower Court open at the National Judicial Institute NJI, the CJN said they are places where citizens expect swift, equitable, and substantial justice.
The CJN, who is also the Chairman, Board of Governors, NJI, said the lower courts are the primary point of contact between the public and the justice system, particularly for citizens at the grassroot level.
“It is within these contexts that your decisions, orders, and judgments have a far-reaching impact on the lives of individual citizens and entire communities.
“Here, justice is not perceived as a distant, abstract ideal. Rather, it is deeply personal, representing the sense of security that comes from knowing that one’s rights will be protected, that disputes will be resolved fairly, and that the law will be upheld consistently. It is this Interaction that shapes citizens’ perceptions of justice, fairness, and accountability.
“As Judges, you are not only arbiters of disputes but also guardians of the law. Your astuteness, dedication, and fairness inspire confidence in our judicial system, fostering a culture of respect for the rule of law that is essential to our nation’s development.” She said.
Acknowledging the considerable challenges that continue to affect our lower courts, she noted that they are overburdened with caseloads, facing limited resources, poor working conditions, and lack of sufficient incentives.
“Many of our lower courts are becoming overwhelmed, leading to a significant backlog of cases. These backlogs not only hamper the efficiency of our courts but also erode public confidence in the judicial system.