The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has expressed concern over the declining adherence to ethical principles within the legal profession and society.
She emphasised the urgent need for legal practitioners to recommit themselves to the core values of ethics, discipline and professional responsibility.
Justice Kekere-Ekun made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at the inaugural edition of the Body of Benchers’ annual lecture and the public presentation of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee’s report.
The event was themed “Half a Century of the Body of Benchers: The Past, the Present and the Future of Maintaining the Ethics of the Legal Profession in Nigeria”.
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She said, “As we all acknowledge, strict adherence to ethical principles in the legal profession and society at large is facing serious challenges.
“Today, more than ever, there is an urgent need to recommit ourselves to the fundamental values of ethics, discipline and professional responsibility.
“It is instructive to note that the Body of Benchers, as the apex institution of the legal profession in Nigeria, is uniquely positioned to lead this charge.
“The responsibility of upholding the legal profession’s sanctity rests heavily on its shoulders, and I have no doubt that the body will continue to rise to the occasion.
“The enforcement of professional discipline among legal practitioners, through the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), is a vital function that must be pursued with fairness, transparency and unwavering resolve.”
The CJN also highlighted the significance of the newly published Body of Benchers Law Report, describing it as a valuable resource for legal practitioners, scholars and stakeholders interested in disciplinary jurisprudence within the legal profession.
Avoid temptations, don’t succumb to blackmail, Shettima urges judiciary
Speaking at the event, Vice President Kashim Shettima called on the judiciary to remain steadfast in upholding justice, even in the face of blackmail.
He said as custodians of the law, judicial officers must resist the temptation to manipulate justice for parochial interests.
Shettima stressed the judiciary’s vital role in Nigeria’s sovereign existence, saying, “A nation is only as accountable, fair, and orderly as the people who make, enforce and interpret its laws.”
He further noted that “the foundation of every great nation is built on the ethical sensitivity of the institutions that uphold justice.”
He said these moral principles equip judges to resist divisive sentiments and stand firm against the pressures of expediency.
Ethical issues have always existed – Lawyer
Commenting on the discussion, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Abeny Mohammed acknowledged that ethical challenges have long been present in the legal profession but have worsened in recent times.
He attributed this to the difficult socio-economic environment and the emergence of new forms of inducements.
“When the larger society is corrupt, it will inevitably affect the legal profession—both cannot be separated,” he said.
Mohammed emphasised the need for collective action, saying, “We must come together to address these issues within the profession.”
