CJN Warns Against Judicial Bullying, Says Seniority Must Not Override Persuasion

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned against judicial bullying and intimidation, insisting that seniority must not prevent judges from expressing independent opinions or disagreeing with their senior colleagues.

Kekere-Ekun said the independence of judicial officers to examine different perspectives and reach their own conclusions remained critical to sound judicial reasoning, particularly at the appellate level.

The CJN spoke at the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Annual Conference in Kingston, Jamaica, during a panel session on Judicial Bullying and Harassment.

According to a statement released to the media on Sunday by her spokesperson, Tobi Soniyi, the Nigerian judicial leader stressed that the judiciary must preserve an environment where reasoned disagreement is encouraged and respected.

She said, “The judiciary is an institution founded upon reasoned disagreement. Judging at the appellate level, in particular, depends upon the ability of judges to consider different perspectives and, where necessary, to disagree. If seniority becomes a substitute for persuasion, the quality of judicial reasoning suffers.”

While acknowledging the importance of seniority in the judicial system, Kekere-Ekun said the experience and knowledge of senior judges should serve as a source of guidance rather than a means of suppressing independent thought.

She noted that experienced judicial officers had a responsibility to mentor younger colleagues, share institutional knowledge and help them understand the demands of judicial service.

“They have a responsibility to guide younger colleagues, share experience and help them understand the demands of the bench,” she said.

The CJN further emphasised that effective mentorship should strengthen the confidence and professional competence of junior judicial officers rather than expose them to intimidation or undue pressure.

She maintained that fostering mutual respect among judicial officers was essential to promoting a healthy judicial environment where judges could discharge their responsibilities without fear of personal consequences for expressing differing views.

Kekere-Ekun also highlighted the importance of judicial accountability, noting that judges must be held responsible for their conduct, productivity and compliance with established professional standards.

Her remarks underscored the need to strike a balance between respecting judicial hierarchy and safeguarding the independence of individual judges, particularly in the administration of justice.