Politicians have long been viewed as "mad dogs" that require the firm hand of the judiciary to keep them in check. But what happens when the judiciary itself becomes a part of the madness? When those who are supposed to uphold justice begin to use technicalities as a shield for injustice, the very foundation of a nation’s democracy is shaken.
Judicial Rascality: The New Face of Injustice
The Nigerian judiciary, once seen as the last bastion of hope, has increasingly become a tool in the hands of the powerful. Decisions that should be based on facts are now being swayed by technicalities, leaving many to question the integrity of the legal system. As Chief Afe Babalola, a renowned Nigerian lawyer, once said, “When the judiciary becomes corrupt, the whole nation is corrupt. The judiciary is the foundation upon which the nation’s democracy stands.”
The reliance on technicalities over substance in recent judgments has cast a dark shadow over the judiciary. For example, the use of legal loopholes to favor certain political actors undermines the very essence of justice. The law should not only be about technical correctness but also about fairness and equity. As Femi Falana, another prominent Nigerian lawyer, aptly put it, “Justice is rooted in confidence, and when confidence in the judiciary is lost, the essence of democracy is destroyed.”
The Politicians’ Role: Fueling the Fire
On the other side of the coin, Nigerian politicians have done little to inspire confidence in the system. The culture of corruption, nepotism, and self-interest has become so entrenched that it almost seems like the norm. Politicians, driven by a desire to cling to power at all costs, have repeatedly shown that they are willing to subvert the democratic process for their own gain. This behavior has only exacerbated the decay within the system, leading to a situation where governance is more about personal enrichment than public service.
The judiciary was meant to be the check on this unbridled ambition. But when the courts themselves are compromised, who is left to hold these politicians accountable? As Gani Fawehinmi, one of Nigeria’s most respected human rights lawyers, once said, “The law is the last hope of the common man. If it fails, then the common man is doomed.”
The Citizen’s Plight: Hope Amidst Despair
For the ordinary Nigerian, this convergence of political and judicial corruption has created a sense of hopelessness. The common citizen, who looks to the judiciary for protection and fairness, is left to wonder what their fate will be in a system that no longer serves them. When justice becomes something that can be bought or manipulated, the very idea of a fair society is rendered meaningless.
The time has come for Nigerians to demand better from both their politicians and their judiciary. It is not enough to point fingers; there must be a collective push for accountability, transparency, and integrity within all branches of government. The future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on it.
Conclusion: A Call to Action:
In the words of the late Nigerian legal luminary, Bola Ige, “The judiciary is the most important arm of government because it is the last hope of the common man.” When this hope is lost, all is lost. It is imperative that Nigerians rise to the occasion and demand a return to true justice—one that is based on facts, fairness, and the rule of law.
The decay in Nigeria’s leadership system is not just the fault of politicians or the judiciary; it is a reflection of a society that has allowed these institutions to rot from within. But it is not too late. By holding those in power accountable and demanding that the judiciary returns to its rightful role as the guardian of justice, Nigeria can begin to rebuild a system that truly serves the people.
The question remains: Are we ready to take that stand?
Reuel Nafisu
CJSDA
Comments
Post a Comment