By Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN
The National Judicial Council (NJC), under the distinguished leadership of the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun, GCON, has once again demonstrated unwavering commitment to upholding the independence, integrity, and constitutional order of the Nigerian judiciary.
At its 108th Meeting held on the 29th and 30th of April 2025, the NJC took a bold and principled stance on a number of critical issues affecting the administration of justice in Nigeria. Most notably, the Council directed the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, to comply with Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) by appointing the most senior judge of the State’s High Court as Acting Chief Judge.
This move reaffirmed the supremacy of the Constitution and ensured that due process is not undermined by political interference. It is hoped that Governor Hope Uzodinma, a beneficiary of an epochal judicial decision of the Supreme Court which literally made him Governor against the wishes of the electorate of Imo State would humbly comply with the directive of the NJC.
Landmark decisions to strengthen accountability
The NJC, chaired by Hon. Justice Kekere-Ekun, also made several landmark decisions aimed at strengthening accountability within the judiciary. In a rare but necessary show of firmness, the Council suspended three serving judicial officers without pay for one year, having found them guilty of serious misconduct. These disciplinary actions were guided by the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers and rooted in the commitment to preserve public trust in the judiciary.
Among those suspended was Hon. Justice Jane E. Inyang, who was found to have issued inappropriate ex parte orders that compromised the integrity of the judicial process. Similarly, two Judges were suspended for violations that included delivering rulings without hearing the parties and restraining law enforcement agencies from performing their statutory duties. These decisions, although stern, were necessary to reinforce the message that judicial robes do not shield anyone from accountability.
Additionally, the Council issued queries to other judicial officers, including Hon. Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu and Hon. Justice V. U. Okorie, for attempting to subvert constitutional procedures in the appointment of an Acting Chief Judge in Imo State. The NJC’s intervention not only corrected an impending constitutional breach but also sent a strong message that manipulation of the appointment process will not be tolerated.
Commendable Resolve of the NJC
Under Justice Kekere-Ekun’s stewardship, the NJC has deepened its resolve to cleanse the judiciary of unethical behavior while promoting transparency. At the same meeting, the Council empanelled nine committees to investigate 27 judicial officers facing allegations of misconduct, demonstrating a proactive and institutionalized approach to disciplinary processes.
Quiet Revolution?
Equally praiseworthy is the Council’s new revolutionary decision to publish the names of candidates being considered for appointment to superior courts of record. This groundbreaking decision opens up the appointment process to public scrutiny and invites civic participation, thereby enhancing transparency and reinforcing the legitimacy of judicial appointments. This approach to judicial appointments will significantly improve the quality of judicial appointments. The NBA and other civil society organizations have long advocated for this. That this milestone has been reached after the death of its foremost advocate, Joseph Otteh of Access to Justice who died recently should be an encouragement to other advocates for change. It shows that sooner or later, the reforms will see the light of day.
The NJC also dealt judiciously with several petitions, including those concerning alleged irregularities in judicial appointments and complaints lacking merit. Importantly, individuals who deliberately peddle falsehoods to undermine the judicial selection process were appropriately sanctioned, with one petitioner barred from future judicial appointment exercises.
These bold and transparent actions are a testament to the visionary leadership and integrity of Hon. Justice Kekere-Ekun. At a time when public confidence in institutions is under strain, the Chief Justice has steered the judiciary with courage, impartiality, and fidelity to constitutional norms. Her tenure continues to inspire hope that the judiciary can indeed be a bulwark against impunity, a guardian of justice, and a model of institutional discipline.
The NJC’s recent actions serve as a beacon of reform and integrity, and the Nigerian judiciary—under the guidance of Hon. Justice Kekere-Ekun—deserves commendation for its principled and courageous decisions. The path may be arduous, but with such leadership, the restoration and preservation of public confidence in the rule of law is not only possible—it is inevitable.
Professor Yemi Akinseye – George SAN, FCIArb,
Professor Yemi Akinseye – George SAN and Partners,
