Judicial Bullying: Kekere-Ekun Warns Senior Judges Against Intimidation

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has cautioned against judicial bullying, warning that seniority must not be used to silence judges or prevent them from expressing dissenting opinions.

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

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

She warned that allowing seniority to take precedence over 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,” she said.

Kekere-Ekun added that the quality of judicial decisions could suffer if judges relied on seniority rather than persuasive legal arguments in resolving disagreements.

“If seniority becomes a substitute for persuasion, the quality of judicial reasoning suffers,” the CJN stated.

While acknowledging the importance of seniority within the judiciary, she maintained that respect for experienced judicial officers should not come at the expense of independent judgment.

She also emphasised the responsibility of senior judges 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.

The CJN’s remarks underscored the importance of fostering a judicial environment where professional respect, independent thinking and constructive disagreement can coexist without fear of intimidation or personal consequences.