The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has said unanimity is not mandatory among members of appellate courts, stressing that dissent, when principled, strengthens jurisprudence.

Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja at the swearing-in of Justice Joseph Oyewole as a Justice of the Supreme Court, the CJN said appellate courts operate a collegiate system built on independence of mind and mutual respect.

“The Supreme Court is a collegiate court. Its authority is strengthened when its members deliberate with mutual respect, candour and intellectual generosity,” she said.

“Collegiality does not require uniformity of thought… it requires that each Justice approach conference with an open mind… The collective wisdom of the court emerges from robust, yet respectful exchange. Nevertheless, collegiality must never dilute independence of mind.

“Where Your Lordship’s considered conviction differs from that of your brother Justices, Your Lordship must have the courage to dissent with courtesy and precision. A principled dissent… is not a fracture of unity; it is often the seed of future doctrinal growth.”

With Oyewole’s inauguration, the Supreme Court returned to its full constitutional complement of 21 Justices, following the retirement of the immediate past CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

Kekere-Ekun described the development as significant, noting that a full court enhances its capacity to sit in robust panels, manage its docket efficiently and reinforce the stability of its jurisprudence.Related News

On the responsibilities of a Supreme Court Justice, she said elevation to the apex court goes beyond professional distinction and entails a “sacred national responsibility.”

“The Supreme Court stands at the apex of our judicial architecture. Its pronouncements settle controversies, shape the development of our jurisprudence and define the contours of constitutional governance,” she said, adding that its authority rests on “the moral weight of its reasoning” and the integrity of its members.

She praised Oyewole’s “disciplined scholarship, fidelity to the law and distinguished service,” describing his appointment as a testament to intellectual depth and independence of thought.

The CJN, however, cautioned that at the apex level, judicial duties transcend dispute resolution and require stewardship of precedent and unwavering allegiance to the Constitution.

“A Justice of this court must possess the courage to affirm settled doctrine where stability demands it, and the wisdom to refine it where justice and constitutional fidelity so require,” she said.

Addressing the new Justice directly, Kekere-Ekun reminded him that the oath he took demands “moral courage when decisions are unpopular” and steadfastness in the face of pressures.

“I am confident that Your Lordship will contribute meaningfully to the coherence of our jurisprudence… and the continued strengthening of public confidence in the administration of justice,” she said.

Source: The Nation News