The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has issued a stern warning to both individuals and institutions about the importance of adhering to court orders, emphasizing that compliance with these orders is imperative and not open to negotiation.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria emphasized that individuals, regardless of their social standing, must respect the courts. She pointed out that ignoring court orders or failing to comply with judicial directives constitutes a serious challenge to democratic principles and poses a threat of chaos.
On Monday, she delivered this statement during a special session of the Supreme Court that celebrated the beginning of the 2024/2025 legal year and honored several distinguished lawyers with the Senior Advocate of Nigeria title.
“Obedience to court orders is non-negotiable. No individual or institution, irrespective of their standing, will be permitted to treat the judgments of our courts with levity or disregard. The judiciary stands resolute in ensuring that the sanctity of our legal decisions is upheld.
“All hands must be on deck in fostering an unwavering commitment to the full enthronement of the rule of law.
“As such, it is critical that we respect and observe all the features of an enduring democracy, for in doing so, we maintain the delicate balance that sustains our society. Let us, therefore, work collectively and tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria continues to abide by the rule of law, uphold the best democratic practices, and remain vigilant in the protection of her citizens’ rights.”
“This trajectory is unsustainable for a nation striving for economic development and human capital growth.
“Educating Nigerians on the benefits of alternative dispute resolution is a collective task for all stakeholders in the justice sector. In this regard, concerted efforts are being made to ensure that the Supreme Court Mediation Centre becomes operational to make the desired impact in the new legal year,” she said.
