March 26, (THEWILL) – The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has expressed concern over the declining adherence to ethical principles in the legal profession, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the integrity of the judiciary.
Speaking at the public presentation of the report of the Directions of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja, the CJN called for a renewed commitment to ethics, discipline, and professional responsibility among legal practitioners.
She lamented that the once-sacred principles of the profession were not only dwindling but also facing severe challenges in today’s legal practice and society at large.
“It is instructive to note that the Body of Benchers, as the apex institution of the legal profession in Nigeria, is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in this regard. The responsibility of upholding the legal profession’s sanctity rests heavily on its shoulders, and I have no doubt that the Body will continue to rise to the occasion.
“The enforcement of professional discipline among legal practitioners, through the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), is a vital function that must be pursued with fairness, transparency, and unwavering resolve,” she stated.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who chaired the inaugural edition of the Body of Benchers annual lecture and the public presentation of the Body of Benchers Law Report, commended the chairman, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, and the entire members of the Body for their vision and dedication in initiating the lecture series.
She explained that the annual lecture was conceived to serve multiple purposes, including shedding light on the workings of the Body of Benchers both nationally and internationally, fostering a deeper understanding of its role in legal practice and professional discipline, and providing a platform for critical discussions on the challenges and prospects of the legal profession.
According to her, the lecture will also serve as a means to evaluate ethical standards within the profession, ensuring the highest levels of discipline, integrity, and professionalism among lawyers. She emphasised the need for a forward-looking agenda that would strengthen the legal profession and enhance public confidence in the judiciary.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
