Chidi Odinkalu: Nigeria’s Challenges Not Solved by Restructuring or Constitution Amendment
Sharing his perspective with AYOOLA OLASUPO, former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof Chidi Odinkalu, discusses the recurring rights violations and the importance of judicial independence in Nigeria
You recently commented on the issue of corruption in judicial appointments in Nigeria. Can you explain your statement?
Judicial appointments in Nigeria have devolved into a system of nepotism and favoritism devoid of any merit-based selection criteria. Key figures in the judiciary now view these appointments as opportunities to place their family members or close associates on the bench. Instances like the swift elevation of relatives of senior judicial officers illustrate this trend of cronyism and misuse of power.
For example, within a short pe...