The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday, charged judges of the lower courts to embody the values of fairness, respect, and diligence in every decision they make on matters brought before them.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the 2024 All Nigerian Judges Conference of the lower courts, organized by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja, said the privilege of being a judge comes with a profound responsibility to maintain the highest standards of conduct.

According to the CJN, the judiciary in Nigeria has long emphasized ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism, which must continue to be the hallmark of the judicial system.

She urged judges of the lower courts to be guided by a renewed commitment to excellence, integrity, and justice for all Nigerians, adding, “The public looks to you with hope and expectation, and it is through your diligent efforts that we can continue to build trust in our judicial system.”

Justice Kekere-Ekun stated that the conference, with the theme “Strengthening Justice, Upholding the Rule of Law: The Role of Lower Courts in the Judicial System,” provides an opportunity for judges of the lower courts from across the country to converge, reflect, and deliberate on ways to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of the justice system at the grassroots level.

While noting that the lower courts occupy a fundamental position within the country’s judicial structure, Kekere-Ekun said the lower courts are the primary point of contact between the public and the judicial system, particularly for citizens at the grassroots level.

The CJN told participants at the conference to view the lower courts as pillars of justice, equity, and community engagement, saying, “These are places where citizens expect swift, equitable, and substantial justice.

“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 added.

The CJN stated that the challenges of limited resources, poor working conditions, and lack of sufficient incentives, which make lower courts overwhelmed and lead to a significant backlog of cases, not only hamper the efficiency of the courts but also erode public confidence in the judicial system.

Earlier, in his address, the NJI Administrator, Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi, warned the judges against compromising their integrity or caving in to any pressure or undue influence from external forces.

He urged the judges to place a premium on the sanctity of their offices and treat with great responsibility the public confidence reposed in them and the judiciary by extension, especially by those at the grassroots level.

The NJI boss assured the institute’s unwavering commitment to building the capacities of judges of the lower courts in various areas of the law, adding that the NJI serves as the principal focal point of judicial activities relating to the promotion of efficiency, uniformity, and improvement in the quality of judicial services in both the superior and lower courts.