Kehinde Fajobi
The Emir of Kano, His Highness Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, has called on Nigerian judges, particularly Supreme Court justices, to dispense justice with a deep sense of integrity and accountability to God.
Speaking at a public discourse in Lagos on Saturday themed “Ethics, Morality, and the Law,” Sanusi advised judges to be mindful of their moral responsibilities and to avoid allowing prejudice to influence their judgments.
“My New Year resolution is that I no longer want to be controversial,” Sanusi began, “but I urge judges to be upright. Do not allow hatred for people to make you do what is not right.”
Sanusi cautioned against excessive reliance on legal technicalities, advocating instead for judgments grounded in substantive justice.
He added, “Do not be an advocate for wrongdoers and do not be an advocate for those who deceive themselves, because Allah does not love sinful wrongdoers.
”When your friends come to you, when government comes to you, and you listen to them and you tilt judgement in their favour, ask yourself, who will be your advocate before God, on the Day of Judgment?”
The event, held in honour of Justice Habeeb Abiru, who was recently elevated to the Supreme Court, also featured Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who underscored the importance of integrity in the judiciary.
As chairperson of the event, she highlighted that while the judiciary has many diligent and principled judges, a few have tainted its reputation.
Justice Kekere-Ekun urged judges to remember their personal accountability, both to society and to God.
“As individuals, each person is accountable to his or herself and to God,” she said, stressing that a just legal system must resonate with societal morals and values.
She elaborated on the role of legal practitioners, stating, “The role of the legal practitioner within this framework merits particular attention. The lawyer, often seen as both antagonist and protagonist in the pursuit of justice, must navigate a terrain where law, ethics, and morality intersect.
“This dual role requires balancing the scriptures and the law with ethical constitutions, often containing moral and legal questions that may seem at odds.”
Kekere-Ekun added that public trust in the legal system depends heavily on its adherence to both ethical and moral standards, as well as a commitment to fairness.
She pointed out that while law is essential for peace, order, and security, these objectives cannot be achieved through ethics and morality alone.
“It is essential, however, to recognize for societal advancement, law cannot be supplanted by moral or ethical indications alone, given the diversity of moral and ethical perspectives. The assertive nature of the law is therefore indispensable,” she concluded.