RismadarVoice Reporters
October 11, 2026
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged senior judicial officers to provide mentorship and professional guidance to younger judges, stressing that knowledge sharing, judicial independence and mutual respect are essential to strengthening the administration of justice.
Kekere-Ekun made the call during the annual conference of the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association in Kingston, Jamaica, where she participated in a panel discussion on judicial bullying and harassment.
According to a statement issued by her spokesperson, Tobi Soniyi, the CJN emphasised that experienced judicial officers possess institutional knowledge and practical expertise that younger colleagues cannot acquire through academic training alone.
She explained that senior judges have a responsibility to transfer their experience, offer constructive guidance and help newly appointed judicial officers navigate the professional and ethical demands of judicial service.
Kekere-Ekun maintained that effective mentorship would strengthen the confidence of younger judges, improve their decision-making abilities and contribute to a more competent and independent judiciary.
The CJN also called for a professional environment in which judicial officers can seek clarification, ask questions and acknowledge gaps in their knowledge without fear of embarrassment, intimidation or discrimination.
She expressed concern about situations in which younger judges might hesitate to challenge established practices or express differing opinions because of their colleagues’ seniority.
According to her, newly appointed judges should be encouraged to participate freely in professional discussions and raise legitimate concerns about administrative procedures without being subjected to hostility or unfair treatment.
Kekere-Ekun stressed that disagreement among judicial officers is an important part of judicial reasoning, particularly in appellate courts, where judges are expected to examine legal questions from different perspectives.
She warned that allowing hierarchical authority to suppress independent opinions could weaken judicial deliberations and undermine the quality of decisions.
The CJN explained that while seniority deserves recognition and respect within the judiciary, it should never replace reasoned arguments, professional courtesy or the independent exercise of judicial responsibility.
She further emphasised that mentorship must be built on mutual respect rather than intimidation, adding that experienced judges should create opportunities for younger colleagues to develop their professional capabilities.
Beyond mentorship, Kekere-Ekun highlighted the importance of accountability and ethical conduct among judicial officers.
She maintained that judges, regardless of their rank or years of service, must remain accountable for their professional behaviour, productivity and adherence to established judicial standards.
The CJN’s remarks underscored the need for a judicial workplace that promotes professional development, constructive engagement and respect for independent judgment while maintaining the discipline and ethical standards required of judicial officers.
