Sanusi Urges Judges Not to Favor Friends or Government in Judgments

Emir of Kano, Sanusi, calls on judges to uphold integrity and avoid passing rulings in favor of friends or government interests. Read more about his call for judicial independence and fairness.

His Highness, the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, has urged Nigerian judges—particularly those on the Supreme Court—to administer justice with reverence for God and remain mindful that they are ultimately accountable to Him.

He offered the advice on Saturday during a public discourse in Lagos themed “Ethics, Morality and The Law.”

The event was held to honor Justice Habeed Abiru, who was recently promoted to a Supreme Court justice.

The Emir expressed his New Year resolution to avoid controversy but nonetheless encouraged judges to act with integrity and not let personal biases lead them astray from doing what is right.

He suggested that judges should prioritize substantive justice over technicalities.

“Refrain from supporting those who commit wrongdoing or deceive themselves, as Allah does not favor sinful wrongdoers.”

“When your friends approach you or when the government seeks your attention, and you favor their side, consider this: who will stand as your advocate before God on the Day of Judgment?”

At the event, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, stated that while the Nigerian Judiciary boasts many upright, knowledgeable, hardworking and courageous judges, there are a few individuals who unfortunately tarnish this reputation.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, serving as the Chairperson of the event, took the opportunity to remind all judges that “as individuals, each person is accountable to themselves and to God.”

She emphasized that public acceptance of the law depends on its alignment with fundamental principles, clarity, stability, judicial independence, and fair enforcement by legal authorities.

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She emphasized the importance of considering the viewpoint of the average citizen, who evaluates how well ethics, morality, and law coexist harmoniously in society.

The CJN stated that the principles of justice we depend on today are shaped by the Abrahamic faith present in our society, noting that both Islam and Christianity advocate for morality, uprightness, and righteousness.

She stated, “The role of the legal practitioner in this context deserves special focus. The lawyer, often viewed as both an antagonist and protagonist in the quest for justice, must navigate a landscape where law, ethics, and morality intersect.”

In this dual role, one must balance religious texts and legal frameworks with ethical principles, frequently navigating moral and legal questions that might appear conflicting. As a minister in the temple of justice, a lawyer’s dedication to fairness involves upholding legal standards while promoting values aligned with society’s ethical expectations.

The core focus for students is exploring the relationship between morality, ethics, and the law. This becomes particularly engaging when examining how courts of law differ from courts of equity historically—a reflection of humanity’s continual pursuit to balance justice with fairness.

The extent to which this alignment is achieved affects public trust in the judiciary and the law, emphasizing that our legal system should both administer justice and align with the community’s moral values.

The CJN emphasizes that for society to progress, it is crucial to acknowledge that law cannot be replaced solely by moral or ethical guidelines, due to the wide range of moral and ethical viewpoints.

The authoritative nature of the law is essential for maintaining peace, order, and security—objectives that cannot be consistently accomplished through ethics and morality alone.

The law’s acceptance by the public depends on its alignment with fundamental principles, clarity, stability, judicial independence, and fair use of authority by law enforcement.