The public’s continued condemnation and concerns regarding the widespread corruption in the judiciary indicate that the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has stepped into a corrupt system. President Bola Tinubu swore in Kekere-Ekun on August 23 as the 23rd CJN before parliamentary confirmation. She must gather the courage to tame the corruption within the system to establish an exemplary tenure and create a legacy for a more credible justice system.
To execute her duties effectively, she must uphold the independence of the judiciary and its core principles.
Unfortunately, this task has been a daunting challenge. The judiciary has become a breeding ground for corruption and a victim of external influence. According to Afrobarometer, both the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission hold the lowest public trust in Nigeria at 75%.
The process of appointing judges is riddled with nepotism. The former CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola, and the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Hussein Yusuf, were recently accused of disregarding the federal character principle by appointing their family members as judges.
In a recent interview, retired Supreme Court Justice Amina Augie disclosed the existence of influential figures in the judiciary, stating that politicians strategically place individuals who can serve their interests as judges. This reality is unfortunate but apparent.
During a valedictory session of the Senate last year, Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa admitted to influencing his wife, Zainab, the President of the Court of Appeal, to deliver favorable judgments for his political associates in election cases.
For instance, former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili, who faced fraud charges in 2007, was granted a perpetual injunction in a questionable display of judicial injustice.
In separate cases challenging electoral infringements by Ahmad Lawan and Godswill Akpabio, the Supreme Court ruled in their favor, ignoring Section 115 (d) of the Electoral Act.
Courts, even those of equivalent authority, frequently abuse interlocutory injunctions, undermining the judiciary’s credibility and the nation’s judicial system.
This so-called bastion of justice for the common man is crumbling and urgently needs repair.
The new CJN must introduce reforms and overhaul the judiciary to salvage its tarnished reputation. She must establish strong institutions and instill in judicial officers the ethics and values of the profession. Additionally, the integration of technology to enhance practices is crucial.
The CJN must enforce discipline and accountability to restore the honor and integrity of the judiciary. Strengthening the integrity of the National Judicial Council by limiting the CJN’s power in appointments is vital. Judicial appointments should be solely based on merit.
Efforts should be intensified to investigate pending corruption and controversial cases, ensuring that corrupt judges face consequences to deter others. Courts must review contentious judgments in the pursuit of justice and to preserve judicial integrity.
The CJN cannot accomplish this task alone. The National Assembly must exhibit the necessary political will to revise laws that currently hinder the judiciary. This includes transferring the authority to appoint the CJN to an independent body rather than the President, a model that should be replicated at the state level.
To address issues stemming from overlapping territorial jurisdiction, the CJN must establish clear practice guidelines with enforceable penalties.
It is imperative to shield judges from manipulation and corruption by offering competitive salaries, improved welfare packages, and conducive working conditions.
The CJN should build upon the achievements of her predecessor, such as the 300% salary raise for judges and the implementation of court digitization.
A reformed and respectable judiciary is attainable. With unwavering commitment, Nigeria’s judiciary can undergo a transformation that benefits all.