The Nigerian judiciary faces significant obstacles including corruption, insufficient funding, political interference, and delayed justice, which collectively weaken its independence and effectiveness, according to Mr. Lawrence Nwakaeti, former Owerri Branch Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
At the launch of the NUJ Workstation in Owerri on Monday, Nwakaeti presented a paper titled “Judiciary and the role of the media in deepening Nigerian democracy,” where he detailed the challenges eroding judicial integrity.
“Very recently in Nigeria, it is sad to posit that the concept of judicial independence and as the last hope of the common man, is in reverse gear and largely observed in the breach,” he said. He noted that judicial precedent, a cornerstone of legal consistency, has been “largely abused even by all categories of courts.”
Nwakaeti described the judiciary’s role as “hanging in the air” and, despite constitutional provisions, “easily manipulated by the other arms of government.” The principle of separation of powers—legislature makes laws, executive enforces, and judiciary interprets—is dysfunctional in Nigeria’s current political climate.
He lamented that “democracy in Nigeria is severely weakened and the rule of law and individual rights and liberties are largely in abeyance,” with judicial decisions often influenced by political considerations rather than legal merit.
Among the factors undermining justice delivery, Nwakaeti listed judicial corruption, inadequate funding, political interference, case backlogs, and a compromised appointment process where meritocracy is replaced by nepotism and influence.
To restore judicial credibility, he recommended improving efficiency, combating corruption, and fostering collaboration with other democratic bodies. He emphasized the judiciary’s constitutional protection under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, asserting that “none of the other two arms of government can, by fiat, limit or remove the powers of the judiciary.”
Nwakaeti concluded by urging journalists to continue their critical role in holding power accountable, stating, “This is what will not only keep those in the corridors of power on their toes, but will also help to grow our democracy and make our society better.”