CJN Kekere-Ekun warns against judicial bullying, says seniority must not silence judges

Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned that seniority must not be used to suppress dissenting views among judges, saying judicial officers should be free to disagree with their seniors without fear of personal consequences.

Kekere-Ekun stated this while speaking at a panel session on “Judicial Bullying and Harassment” at the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association annual conference in Kingston, Jamaica.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by her spokesperson, Tobi Soniyi, the CJN said independent thinking and the consideration of opposing views were essential to sound judicial decisions.

She warned that allowing seniority to override reasoned arguments could undermine the quality of judicial reasoning, particularly at the appellate level, where judges are expected to examine different interpretations of the law.

“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,” she said.

While acknowledging the importance of seniority in the judiciary, Kekere-Ekun said respect for experienced judges should not come at the expense of independent judgment.

She noted that senior judicial officers had a responsibility to mentor younger colleagues, share institutional knowledge and prepare them for 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.