*Calls for Unity, Reform in Nigerian Judiciary at Court of Appeal Conference
*Urges NJC to Shield Judges from Frivolous Complaints, Highlights Nigeria’s Ethnic Divisions

Renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, has called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to rewrite the narrative of Nigeria’s judiciary and foster unity in the nation. Speaking at the Annual End-of-Year Conference of the Court of Appeal, Agabi urged judicial officers to take pride in their pivotal role while challenging the judiciary to address issues plaguing its reputation.

Addressing the judges, Agabi lamented the persistent criticism and misunderstanding of the judiciary, particularly in an era when social media amplifies unverified allegations. He described judges as the unsung heroes holding Nigeria together despite years of neglect and societal decay. He, has expressed deep concerns over the impact of social media on the judiciary, warning that it has eroded the traditional immunity judges once enjoyed from public criticism and persecution. Speaking futherz, Agabi highlighted the dangers of unchecked social media allegations against judicial officers.

“Judges are said to be immune from persecution, but that immunity has been taken away by social media,” Agabi stated. “Today, allegations are first made on social media to the world at large, often without evidence, before complainants even think of referring matters to the National Judicial Council (NJC), if at all.”

Agabi pointed out that these public accusations frequently lead to judgments being passed in the court of public opinion, leaving judges scandalized and distressed even when such complaints are dismissed as frivolous.

“The public and the press pass judgment on these allegations, and complainants seem to want the NJC to merely rubber-stamp their conclusions and punish judges,” he said.

He emphasized that the NJC must prioritize the protection of judges, urging the body to establish mechanisms to filter out frivolous and malicious complaints before they escalate. Agabi criticized the current handling of complaints against judges, noting that the NJC needs to establish a mechanism for dismissing frivolous applications before they become public. “The National Judicial Council is not a body for persecuting judges, it should be a body for defending judges,” Agabi stated, highlighting the current vulnerability of judges who face public scrutiny even when complaints against them are ultimately dismissed as frivolous.  In a direct appeal to the current Attorney General, Agabi urged for stronger collaboration, stating that the AG should “become the Ally of the National Judicial Council to protect the judges.”

In defending the judiciary against widespread criticism, Agabi argued that the institution is a product of the society it serves, using a striking metaphor to describe the judiciary as “The Offspring of the society.” He illustrated this point by highlighting broader systemic issues, such as the dominant role of money in politics and the use of wealth to acquire power, arguing that these societal problems inevitably influence all institutions, including the judiciary.

Agabi acknowledged the judiciary’s resilience in preventing national collapse, despite serving the nation at a time of unprecedented need and facing challenges such as systemic corruption, inadequate resources, and public disunity. He called on the CJN and the NJC to actively defend judges against frivolous accusations and ensure their dignity is preserved.

Drawing a powerful historical parallel with the ancient Scythians, whose story was distorted by their Roman enemies, Agabi warned the Nigerian judiciary about the risk of allowing their critics to write a biased history of their work. He urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to begin documenting the judiciary’s story and called on the NJC to become a voice for judges who are constrained from speaking in their own defense.

Agabi also highlighted Nigeria’s deep-rooted ethnic divisions using his personal experience with his Igbo name, criticizing Nigeria’s employment restrictions based on state of origin. He illustrated the absurdity of these state-based employment barriers by noting that despite having an Igbo name and being proud of his ethnic identity, he would face discrimination if seeking employment in Enugu.

In closing, Agabi emphasized the role of unity in rebuilding Nigeria, challenging policymakers, including the FCT Minister, to implement initiatives that bind the nation together. He stressed that policies must foster unity, equal opportunity, and fairness, as the nation cannot be rebuilt while divided by state, tribe, or faith.

______________________________________________________________________ Revolutionizing Civil Litigation: Comprehensive 3-Volume Series Now Available A new serial publication with broad title "Civil Litigation Serial" has launched to provide concise resource guide for civil litigation practitioners. The first volumes are now available for purchase through a network of independent booksellers across Nigeria. Call 07051822705 ______________________________________________________________________

Nominations Open For Legal Leaders Awards 2025, Celebrating Excellence In Istanbul ______________________________________________________________________

[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.
Available now for NGN 35,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation _________________________________________________________________