The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed said any gross misconduct by judicial employees would attract severe disciplinary actions.

Mohammed handed down the warning at the opening ceremony of a Five-day Workshop for Secretaries, Court Registrars, Process Clerks and Bailiffs on Ethics and Anti-corruption, in Abuja on Monday.

``It is imperative for you as judicial employees to be guided by high ethical standards and the code of conduct for judicial employees in discharging your official assignments at all times.

`` Indeed, it is the code that regulates and prescribes the right behaviour and attitude that must be imbibed by judicial employees in various jurisdictions across the country,’’ he said.

The CJN said the rules contained in the code spelt out the way and the manner employees ought to conduct themselves within and outside their places of work.

He urged them not to be among the minute minority of unscrupulous persons derailing the course of justice and bringing the Nigerian judiciary to disrepute.

Justice Rosaline Bozima, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), in an address of welcome, warned that unethical practices would not be tolerated in the judiciary.

``You must always bear in mind that the efficacy of judicial powers rests largely on public confidence.

``You must be hardworking, competent and diligent; these attributes constitute the hallmark of a good judicial employee,’’ Bozima said.

She said the NJI deemed it necessary to conduct the workshop to entrench integrity, transparency and excellent ethical behaviours in the judiciary.

The administrator further urged them to imbibe the best practices that would transform them into better staff in the judiciary. (NAN)

Photo shows: CJN