Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed concern about the declining integrity of Nigeria’s judiciary.
He claimed that some politicians have compromised the judicial system, leading to allegations of judges being on the payroll of influential individuals.
George called on the newly appointed Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to take immediate steps to restore the judiciary’s integrity.
He emphasized that the reputation and esteemed status of the judiciary must be reclaimed for the sake of Nigeria’s democracy.
The former governor of Ondo State highlighted how courts frequently issue conflicting rulings on the same matters, leading to national embarrassment.
He warned that this trend, if unchecked, could destabilize the country’s democratic institutions.
George congratulated Justice Kekere-Ekun on her new role, expressing hope that her wealth of knowledge and her family’s legal background would benefit the judiciary.
He pointed out that her leadership could restore the prominence that the judiciary once enjoyed between the 1950s and the 1980s.
He further raised concerns about what he called “judicial rascality” in courts, citing cases where lower courts issue confusing and contradictory rulings.
He cautioned that such actions create judicial chaos and called for urgent measures to curb this dangerous trend.
George urged the new CJN to convene a meeting of the National Judicial Council (NJC) with state and federal judges. He stressed that it is crucial to address inconsistencies in court rulings to restore public confidence in the judiciary.
He praised past Chief Justices, including Justices Adetokunbo Ademola, Teslim Elias, and Kayode Eso, for maintaining the judiciary’s independence despite external pressures.
He pointed to these former leaders as examples for today’s judiciary to follow
George slammed recent judicial decisions that appear to favor powerful individuals rather than justice. He expressed frustration that judgments based on technicalities undermine the will of the electorate and questioned the fairness of a few judges deciding the outcome of elections involving millions of voters.
Judiciary’s Role in Preserving Democracy
George emphasized the importance of judicial officers in safeguarding democracy, noting that judges wield significant power. He called for them to remain impartial and resist pressure from politicians, stressing that their decisions can either uphold or undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.
George urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to act quickly to restore the judiciary’s credibility and prevent politicians from further compromising it for selfish gains.
He warned that the judiciary’s current state poses a threat to Nigeria’s electoral system and democratic future.
