Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has bemoaned the state of Nigeria’s Judiciary, saying it was “witnessing an undeniable decline.”
Obi stated that although there still existed a few good Judges and Justices in the country, however, generally speaking, he said the situation was worrisome and a threat to the future of the nation.
Delivering a keynote speech titled: “The Role of the Judiciary in Shaping Nigeria’s Future” at the 5th Memorial of Justice Anthony Nnaemeka Aniagolu at the Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, he said there was a lot to learn from the integrity of the late Justice of the Supreme Court and his class of Justices.
Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, is a private institution owned and managed by the Catholic Church.
According to Obi, “It was truly an honour to pay tribute to one of Nigeria’s most esteemed jurists, the late Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Anthony Nnaemeka Aniagolu.
“His illustrious career, particularly as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria from 1978 to 1987, brought immense honour to our judiciary through his unwavering integrity and steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice in our nation.
“As we commemorate the legacy of Justice Aniagolu and other revered Nigerian judges, we must draw inspiration from their exemplary service. We must strive to emulate their dedication to integrity, fairness, respect for the rule of law, transparency, humility, and the dispensation of justice.
“While the judiciary today still boasts of a few outstanding judges, there is an undeniable decline in our judicial system. This decline poses a significant threat to the future of Nigeria. Justice is increasingly commodified, and delivered in favor of the highest bidder.
“When the rule of law is compromised, the most vulnerable members of society are disproportionately affected, and the fabric of our society begins to fray. The integrity of our institutions, the protection of human rights, and the stability of our nation are all jeopardised.
“The rule of law is the highest intangible and most valuable asset of any society, and we must work tirelessly to protect and preserve it. We must prioritise the pursuit of justice above all else.
“Only then can we ensure that the rule of law remains a beacon of hope and a safeguard against tyranny, oppression, and injustice. The future of our nation depends on it,” the former Anambra State governor said.
Chuks Okocha
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