Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged Nigeria’s new Chief Justice, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to act against senior lawyers who publicly criticize the judiciary or comment on ongoing court cases through television and social media.
Akpabio made this statement on Wednesday during the Senate’s screening of Justice Kekere-Ekun, and the Senate subsequently confirmed her as Nigeria’s substantive Chief Justice. Without naming specific individuals, Akpabio alluded to senior lawyers who frequently appear on television programs, including Politics Today on Channels TV, to discuss judicial matters.
“I would say that recently, very senior members of the bar, we all know them. They are fond of being on *Politics Today*. They were commenting on cases that are before either the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court. And this wasn’t the case in the past,” Akpabio said.
Akpabio refrained from mentioning any names. However, prominent human rights lawyers like Femi Falana, Inibehe Effiong, Liborous Oshoma, and Frank Tietie often appear on TV. They frequently comment on legal issues, including active court cases.
Akpabio expressed concern that public comments from senior lawyers could influence court rulings and cause injustice. He warned this would undermine the judiciary’s integrity. Additionally, he noted that junior lawyers are now imitating this behavior, seeing it as acceptable. In his view, this poses a threat to the legal profession.
“If the court can discipline a senior lawyer who is fond of sitting down to analyze cases that are yet to be decided upon on television or social media, I think it will serve as a deterrent,” Akpabio suggested, urging the new CJN to implement strict measures to curb such behavior.
The Senate President’s remarks have sparked a debate about balancing free speech and the integrity of the legal process. Many in the legal community are now waiting for Justice Kekere-Ekun’s response to these concerns.
