Senior lawyers in Nigeria have renewed their call for the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to safeguard the independence of the judiciary,leadership reports.
They argue that without an independent judiciary, judges cannot be free from external pressures that could compromise their decisions. Judicial independence, they maintain, is a cornerstone of the rule of law and the integrity of the justice system.
According to them, meaningful progress in the country is unattainable unless the judiciary’s independence is guaranteed. Concerns have been mounting about undue influence on the judiciary, particularly from the political class, which many believe undermines the fairness of justice delivery.
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Instances of conflicting court orders from courts of equal jurisdiction have further fueled these concerns. The National Judicial Council (NJC) has taken disciplinary action against some judges involved in issuing such conflicting rulings. Nevertheless, lawyers and stakeholders continue to urge the CJN and state Chief Judges to resist political manipulation.
Renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Ahmed Raji, emphasized that a judiciary lacking independence would inevitably produce subpar judgments, discouraging investment and hampering economic growth. “Investors lose confidence in the legal system and prefer to resolve disputes outside the country,” he said, adding that this scenario stifles the development of the law and diminishes the rule of law.
Barrister Abel Anosika highlighted that judicial independence is essential to ensure a fair and impartial justice system. He explained that an independent judiciary instills public confidence and prevents the mistreatment of individuals and minorities by the government. “Judicial independence means the judiciary should be free from external influence and operate independently of other government branches,” he stated.
Speaking on the matter, Barrister Sanni Wabbah stressed that the independence of the judiciary begins with the process of appointing and promoting judges. He called for fair and transparent procedures, free from executive interference, and emphasized that judges should be chosen based on integrity, competence, and qualifications.
He also underscored the need for sufficient and secure funding for the judiciary, ensuring that judges’ salaries are fixed and not subject to arbitrary changes. “The judiciary should remain insulated from political parties and maintain limited contact with the executive, restricted to security, financial, and administrative matters,” he added.
These calls reflect a shared belief that an independent judiciary is critical for upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice, and fostering a stable and prosperous society.
