Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has cautioned against what she described as “broad, sweeping attacks” on the judiciary, warning that indiscriminate allegations of corruption against judges threaten public confidence in the courts and the survival of the rule of law.

Speaking at the swearing-in of newly appointed Federal High Court judges at the Supreme Court complex in Abuja, the Chief Justice acknowledged that the judiciary, like any human institution, is not infallible. However, she insisted that criticism must be grounded in facts, not driven by frustration or political expediency.

Kekere-Ekun noted that it had become “fashionable in some quarters” to label the entire judiciary as corrupt, a trend she described as unfair to judges who have served with distinction. Such blanket denunciations, she argued, do more than challenge particular rulings; they cast doubt on the integrity of men and women who have “lived honourably, laboured faithfully, and discharged their duties with unblemished records.”

She stressed that allegations of misconduct must be specific, evidence-based and channelled through established complaint mechanisms. When accusations are made without proof, she warned, “the damage is collective,” eroding public trust, weakening institutional authority and unjustly staining reputations built over decades.

The Chief Justice reaffirmed that the National Judicial Council remains vigilant and will not hesitate to discipline any judicial officer found wanting. Misconduct, she said, will be addressed “firmly and transparently,” but the independence of the courts must not be undermined by “careless assault.” Once confidence in the judiciary collapses, she cautioned, the rule of law itself is imperilled.

Turning to the newly sworn-in judges, Kekere-Ekun highlighted that their emergence followed one of the most rigorous and transparent selection processes in the history of the Federal High Court. The NJC and the Federal Judicial Service Commission, she explained, strengthened evaluation mechanisms to prioritise merit, integrity, competence and temperament.

For the first time in a more structured way, the names of shortlisted candidates were published and members of the public were invited to submit written comments on their integrity and suitability. This, she said, reflects a deliberate institutional commitment to transparency and accountability, recognising that public confidence in the courts begins with confidence in how judges are chosen.

She urged the new judges to demonstrate discipline, mastery of their case files and “principled courage,” resisting social, political, financial and relational pressures as they confront increasingly complex disputes in revenue, banking, maritime and intellectual property matters.