…lawyers who comment on ongoing matters in court to be dealt decisively.
The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, says she is known for integrity and discipline and promised to among other things ensure the independence of the judiciary and enforcement of the code of conduct for judicial officers.
Justice Kekere-Ekun spoke on Wednesday when she appeared before the senate for screening as the substantive CJN.
The CJN while responding to questions from Senators said she would ensure the independence and integrity of the court by enforcing the code of conduct of judicial officers and ensuring they have good welfare.
“One thing I am known for is integrity and I am known for discipline. To ensure independence of the judiciary, I will ensure that the code of conduct is enforced,” Kekere-Ekun said.
“For the NJC, we are going to ensure that petitions are going to be dealt with speedily. Also for upholding the integrity of the judiciary, it is to insulate it from external influence.
“We are grateful to President Bola Tinubu for increasing the salaries of judicial officers, but there is still a way to go. I will ensure that they have better welfare”, she promised.
In response to a question by the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio who asked how she would handle the cases of lawyers who have a habit of speaking on cases that are under judicial consideration on social media and television, the Ag. CJN said lawyers who comment on ongoing matters in court would be dealt decisively under her watch.
“Speaking on social media, condeming the judiciary, commenting on cases that are sub judice will not have anywhere to hide, they will be dealt with decisively,” she said
The CJN added that social media would not influence the decisions of Judges.
“We have taken an oath of office to do our jobs without fear or favour and they won’t be influenced by social media,” she said.