The Emir of Kano, His Highness, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, has asked Nigerian judges especially justices of the Supreme Court to administer justice with the fear of God, and remember that they are accountable to God.
He gave the advise on Saturday at a public discourse in Lagos which had the theme, “Ethics, Morality And The Law”.
The event was held in honour of Justice Habeed Abiru who was recently elevated as a justice of Supreme Court Justice.
The Emir, who said his New Year resolution is that he no longer wants to be controversial, however, urged the judges to be upright and should not allow hatred for people to make them to do what is not right.
He said judges should focus more on substantive justice, and not rely on technicalities.
“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?”
Also speaking at the event, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, said that the Nigerian Judiciary has a lot of upright knowledgeable, hardworking and courageous judges, but lamented that there are a few tarnishing this reputation.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who was the Chairperson of the event, used the opportunity to advice all judges to remember that as “individuals, each person is accountable to his or herself and to God”
She stressed that public acceptance of the law also hinges on its alignment with fundamental principles, the need for clarity, stability and independence of the judiciary, as well as the fair exercise of authority by law enforcement.
She added that the perspective of the ordinary citizen, who observes and assesses the extent to which ethics, morality and the law coexist harmoniously in society must be taken into consideration.
According to the CJN, the foundations of justice that we rely upon today, are influenced by the Abrahamic faith prevalent in our society, adding that both Islam and Christianity preach morality uprightness and righteousness.
She said “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 with moral and legal questions that may seem at odds. As a minister in the temple of justice, the lawyer’s commitment to justice involves upholding legal standards, while advancing principles that follow society’s ethical expectations.
“The essence of the students is indeed the study of this relationship between morality, ethics and the law, especially when considering the historical distinction between courts of law and courts of equity, which reflects humanity’s ongoing quest to balance justice with fairness.
“The degree to which this alignment is achieved influences public trust in the judiciary and the law, affirming that our legal system should not only administer justice, but also resonate with the community’s moral convictions.
The CJN states that “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 for peace, order and security, goals that cannot be reliably achieved through ethics and morality alone.
“Public acceptance of the law also hinges on its alignment with fundamental principles, the need for clarity, stability and independence of the judiciary, as well as the fair exercise of authority by law enforcement”.