The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Tuesday, charged the newly sworn-in Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Justice Mainasara Umar, to lead the tribunal with impartiality and integrity, avoiding any compromise for personal or selfish interests.
Justice Kekere-Ekun made the remarks during Umar’s swearing-in ceremony in Abuja, urging him to justify the confidence President Bola Tinubu placed in him by providing principled and fearless leadership.
“The office you now occupy demands a person of sound judgment, unshakable independence, and the moral courage to do what is right, regardless of whose interests may be at stake,” she said. “The path ahead will not always be easy. The cases before you may involve high stakes and sensitive issues touching upon public trust. I urge you to approach every matter with fairness and firmness, guided solely by the dictates of the law and the constitution.”
The CJN reminded Umar that his ultimate loyalty is to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the constitution, and the cause of justice—not to any individual, group, or authority. “The trust placed in you is a trust on behalf of the nation, and it must never be compromised or traded for personal or political reasons,” she added. She further encouraged him to promote transparency, administrative excellence, and confidence in the tribunal through his actions.
In response, Justice Umar expressed gratitude for the appointment and pledged to administer justice with courage, fairness, and humility. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening institutional integrity within the tribunal and ensuring that justice is not only done but also seen to be done in every case.
With Umar’s swearing-in, the CCT now has a full complement of three judges, enabling the tribunal to commence hearing cases that were previously pending due to the absence of a chairman. The other members of the tribunal are Justice William A. Atedze and Justice Julie Anabor.
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