Renowned human rights lawyer and activist, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has expressed grave concerns over troubling trends within the legal profession, stressing the urgent need for reform to restore integrity to the system.
Ejiofor’s remarks follow recent disciplinary actions by the National Judicial Council (NJC), which sanctioned ten judicial officers for falsifying their birth dates. He described the development as a sign of deeper ethical decline among those entrusted with upholding justice.
“The NJC’s actions serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the judiciary, as acts of deception raise serious concerns about the integrity and credibility of our courts,” he stated.
Ejiofor stressed that such infractions are not merely administrative oversights but reflect serious moral failings that erode public trust in legal practitioners.
He further noted that the problem of ethical decay is not limited to the judiciary. According to him, the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has recorded a troubling rise in suspensions and disbarments among lawyers due to professional misconduct.
“From negligence to outright fraud, such violations not only tarnish the reputation of the legal profession but also jeopardise the core principles it stands for,” he pointed out.
Raising a critical question, Ejiofor asked: “If those tasked with delivering justice fail to uphold even the most basic standards of honesty and professionalism, what recourse do individuals have when seeking redress?”
He urged legal experts and practitioners to engage in self-reflection concerning their commitment to continuous learning and ethical conduct, emphasising the importance of fostering a culture rooted in accountability and moral clarity.
“The ramifications of overlooking these ideals are significant; a decline in ethical standards within the legal field may result in a similar erosion of societal values,” he warned.
Ejiofor concluded by stressing the need for the legal profession to confront these challenges head-on and renew its collective dedication to integrity, discipline, and knowledge.
“As the legal community finds itself at this crucial crossroads, the urgency for action cannot be overstated. The time to reclaim the honour of the profession is now; failure to do so risks serious repercussions for both justice and society as a whole,” he said.