Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has expressed concern over the dwindling adherence to ethical principles in the legal profession. Speaking at the public presentation of the report of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee in Abuja, Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that the legal profession is facing serious challenges in upholding ethical standards.
To address this trend, the CJN emphasized the need for law practitioners to recommit themselves to the fundamental values of ethics, discipline, and professional responsibility. She praised the Body of Benchers, the apex institution of the legal profession in Nigeria, for its efforts in promoting ethical standards and urged them to continue leading the charge.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also highlighted the importance of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) in enforcing professional discipline among lawyers. She stressed that this function must be pursued with fairness, transparency, and unwavering resolve.
The CJN chaired the inaugural edition of the Body of Benchers annual lecture, which aims to promote intellectual engagement, practical discourse, and introspective reflections on the role of the Body of Benchers in the legal profession. The lecture will address challenges and future prospects of the Body, evaluate ethical standards, and present a forward-looking agenda for strengthening the legal profession.
