The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called on Nigerians to uphold national unity, tolerance and respect for the rule of law as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
The CJN, in a goodwill message to Nigerians said, the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey as a nation, the challenges it had overcome and the work that remained to be done.
She acknowledged the difficulties and uncertainties that had characterised the country’s history but said Nigerians had continued to demonstrate resilience, creativity and faith in the nation’s future.
According to the CJN, the strength of a nation should not be measured solely by its economic and material progress, but also by the quality of its institutions, the fairness with which laws are administered and the level of trust citizens place in one another and public institutions.
She said the Judiciary had a critical role to play in this national development, describing it as an essential pillar of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy and guardian of the rule of law.
“The Judiciary remains committed to the fair, impartial and timely administration of justice,” she said and stressed that public confidence in the justice system depended largely on the integrity, independence and humanity with which justice was administered.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also urged Nigerians to cherish their common identity and approach their differences with understanding and tolerance, saying the country’s diversity should be regarded as a source of strength rather than division.
“Our diversity, when guided by mutual respect and a sense of common purpose, should remain a source of strength rather than division,” she said and called on Nigerians to remember and honour those who had made sacrifices in various fields of national service to preserve the country’s freedom and sustain its democracy.
She urged citizens to contribute, regardless of how modest their efforts might be, towards building a stronger, more just and united Nigeria for future generations.
“Let us honour their contributions by doing our part, however modest, to leave Nigeria stronger, more just and more united for those who will come after us,” the CJN said.
END
Comments