A renowned Niger Delta-born human rights and peace advocate, Chief Sheriff Mulade, has made an urgent appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to safeguard the independence and integrity of Nigeria’s judiciary, while alleging that “Judges use technicality for politically influenced cases”.
Chief Mulade who emphasized the importance of the judiciary as a pillar of democracy and the last hope of the common man, made the appeal in a statement he released on Monday, October 14, 2024.
According to Chief Mulade, who is the Ibe Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, in his call to the President to take immediate steps, said that such would “ensure the full independence of the judiciary and to restore public trust in the legal system.”
He urged that political influence over court decisions “be eradicated and that the judiciary should remain a neutral arbiter of justice, as intended in a democratic presidential system” adding further that “Our democracy cannot survive if the judiciary is compromised.”
While listing four key-points in his appeal and the role of the judiciary in a thriving democracy, the peace and environmental advocate implore President Tinubu “to act decisively and protect the independence of the judiciary” an action he noted “is a critical step toward ensuring fairness, justice, and equality for all Nigerians.”
The key-points of his appeal are:
● Restore Confidence in the Judiciary: “Mr. President, it has become necessary to formally appeal to you to salvage our judiciary, which is the core of society and democracy. A fair and independent judiciary ensures fairness, equity, and justice for all Nigerians. Without it, our democratic system is at risk of crumbling under the weight of political interests.”
● Judgments Jeopardizing Justice: “We are deeply worried about some recent judgments that have created confusion, chaos, and threatened to erode the reverence and trust in our justice system. Nigeria’s judiciary has been the beacon of hope, not just for Nigerians, but for the African continent. However, political interference and vested interests are putting our judicial integrity under severe pressure.”
● Political Interference: Chief Mulade expressed concerns about political interests that continue to undermine the independence of the courts, stating that: “We are witnessing a worrying trend where the judiciary is being politicized, and certain judgments are driven by political interests rather than the rule of law.”
● Technicalities Undermining Justice: Chief Mulade further highlighted a troubling pattern in which Judges, particularly in the Federal and State High Courts, dismiss public-interest cases on technical grounds. “It is alarming how often cases of national importance are dismissed based on technicalities, preventing the judiciary from addressing the real merits of the case. This practice frustrates the hopes of ordinary Nigerians seeking justice.”
On the role of an independent judiciary in a thriving democracy, Chief Mulade, while drawing inspiration from global historical figures, underscored the need for President Tinubu to guarantee judicial independence as part of a thriving democratic system by:
● George Washington’s Vision: “The founding father of the American presidential system, George Washington, emphasized the separation of powers between the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial arms of government. This separation is crucial for maintaining a system of checks and balances, where no one branch can dominate or subvert the rule of law.”
● Thomas Jefferson’s Advocacy: “President Jefferson highlighted that a free and independent judiciary serves as the ultimate check on the excesses of the other arms of government, ensuring that no individual or group is above the law.”
● Abraham Lincoln’s Leadership: “In times of national crisis, President Lincoln demonstrated the importance of an impartial judiciary, which upheld the rights of all citizens and preserved the democratic ideals of the nation.”
● Lord Denning’s Judicial Legacy: “Renowned British jurist Lord Denning famously remarked that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done. The Nigerian judiciary must operate transparently and free from undue influence to maintain the trust of the people.”
Wrapping up his appeal, the activist said, “I want to strongly appeal to Mr President and our reverend judges to save Nigeria judiciary integrity irrespective of tribe, religion and political affiliation. It is worthy of note that the failure of the Nigeria judiciary will create room for chaos and anarchy that will lead to self-defense by Nigerians. Therefore, political judges in the judiciary should resign to save our justice system and the people before mass protest.”
