The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has expressed delight over the admission of the National Association of Judges in Nigeria (NAJN) into the International Association of Judges (IAJ).
In a statement yesterday in Abuja by her media aide, Mr. Tobi Soniyi, the CJN noted that it was truly a moment of pride and privilege for Nigeria to join the global community of judges, which is dedicated to the rule of law, judicial independence, and the protection of human rights.
She said: “Nigeria embraces this membership with humility, commitment, and a deep sense of responsibility.
“We recognise the values that this association upholds, and we are determined to contribute actively to its mission.
“We are committed to further strengthening the independence of our judiciary, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring the continued protection and promotion of human rights in our country.”
The NAJN, which will represent Nigeria at the global judicial body, was admitted at the 67th annual meeting of IAJ, held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The admission of Nigeria into the global body demonstrates international recognition and confidence in the Nigerian judiciary.
Before admitting NAJN, the IAJ had considered some of the challenges the Nigerian Judiciary faces, but also acknowledged the reforms being implemented by Justice Kekere-Ekun.
The IAJ was founded in Salzburg (Austria) in 1953. It is a professional, non-political, international organisation, bringing together national associations of judges, not individual judges, approved by the Central Council for admission to the association.
The main aim of the association is to safeguard the independence of the judiciary, which is an essential requirement of the judicial function, guaranteeing human rights and freedom.
The organisation currently encompasses 92 such national associations or representative groups, from five continents. Nigeria has now become the 93rd member of the association.
The Central Council of the IAJ is its executive body. Each member-association has two representatives in the Council. The Central Council meets annually, preferably in a different country.
At the Taipei Central Council meeting, which took place during September 2023, the judge from Croatia, Mr. Duro Sessa, was elected President of the IAJ for the following two years.
The judge of the Civil Court in Turin, Mr. Giacomo Oberto, was confirmed as the Secretary-General for a sixth mandate.
The association has consultative status with the United Nations (UN) – with specific reference to the International Labour Office and the UN Economic and Social Council and with the Council of Europe.
Source; The Nation News