The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called for collective responsibility in bringing about social change noting that the change the country desires is the responsibility of all.
Her lordship made the remark at a public discourse organised by the Movement for Islamic Culture and Awareness (MICA), an event held to mark the elevation of the Honourable Justice Habeeb Abiru to the Supreme Court of Saturday.
The public discourse on Ethics, Morality and the Law also had other speakers including Emir of Kano Muhammed Sanusi II; former Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, Captain Emmanuel, Reverend Konyinsola Ajayi; Masjid Al Furqan, Kano, Dr Bashir Aliyu; and Professor Liaisu Adele calling judges to task on accountability, equity and the fear of God.
In her remarks, the CJN opined that few bad Judges have tarnished the reputation of good judges.
She said, “We are people of faith. Our different faiths teach us uprightness and morality. The change we all require is the responsibility of all of us, not just the judiciary or politicians. We all must be responsible in effecting the changes we desire. Lawyers are often seen as both antagonist and protagonist in the pursuit of justice. This dual role requires them to balance the scriptures and the law with ethical constitutions which contain moral and legal questions that may seem at odds.”
On his part, Emir Sanusi disclosed that being a judge in a dysfunctional society like Nigeria isn’t an easy task.
He admonished the judges not to be an advocate for wrongdoers, urging them to fear God and the day of accountability before the Supreme Judge, God.
He said,“Being a judge is not an easy task because of the demand to live and judge right. You must be mindful of your God and the day of judgement when no one will be there except you and your deeds.”
Former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola described law as the greatest tool human has invented.
He called for better training for judges for the actualisation of justice according to the law.
He said, “ Ethics and morality are the foundation on which law spring up. Law has kept human going. It distinguishes human from animal and it has constraint us to the civilisation we now enjoy but when mishandled, the law could be harmful to itself and the society.”
The chaplain of the Emmanuel Chapel, Methodist Church, Professor Konyinsola Ajayi noted that if judiciary gets it right, Nigeria will change for the better.
He said, “We all must look at moral ethics in what we do. It is not about dogma. Love, equity, justice and moral should device your judgement. We must ensure justice hold the society together and not break it. But when law and justice contradicts each other, the citizens suffer. Judges are special and they should not pervert the course of justice.”
Masjid Al Furqan, Kano, Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, sees justice as an extension of divine mercy, stressing that the purpose of divine revelation itself is to guide humanity towards justice and moral truth.
“Justice is the central truth of revelation, guiding the relationship between man and God,” he said.
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