Elder statesman and former Deputy National Chairman of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has called on the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to take bold steps restore the integrity to the judiciary to her own glory
Recall that the Nigerian judiciary has come under severe criticism and condemnation following the manner at which judges gave court orders and rulings, which has reduced the People’s confidence on the sector
George in a statement he issued on Sunday alleged that some politicians, akin to criminals, have compromised the judicial system.
In a statement titled “The Time to End Judicial Rascality is Now”, George emphasized that under the new CJN, the judiciary could reclaim its esteemed status, as it did between the 1950s and 1980s.
The PDP leader expressed concern that recent judgments by certain judicial officers have become an embarrassment to patriotic Nigerians, warning that if left unchecked, these actions could destabilize the country’s democracy.
He said: “I congratulate you on your confirmation by the Senate and your swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. As a bonafide Lagosian and jurist from a family of legal luminaries, I strongly believe the judiciary will benefit from your wealth of knowledge. With you at the helm, I am hopeful the judiciary will reclaim the prominence it once had from the 1950s to the 1980s.”
George expressed his alarm over what he described as “judicial rascality” emerging from courts, especially those issuing conflicting rulings from courts of coordinate jurisdiction. He noted that Nigerians are increasingly questioning court judgments and warned that the current trajectory risks leading to “judicial anarchy.”
He explained: “Judicial decisions today are becoming embarrassing. We have instances where a court, miles away from the scene of political conflict, issues confusing rulings, leaving Nigerians bewildered. While appellate courts have the power to overturn lower court decisions, we are seeing a disturbing trend where lower courts, without jurisdiction, issue counter orders, creating judicial chaos.”
He therefore called on the CJN to convene a National Judicial Council (NJC) meeting with state and federal judges to address these inconsistencies and restore public confidence in the judiciary.
“From the 1950s to the 1980s, judges were revered and feared for their impartiality. It was unheard of to attempt bribing a judge. But today, some judges are openly accused of being on politicians’ payrolls.”
He regretted that in many political cases since 1999, judges have been accused of delivering judgments that serve the interests of powerful individuals rather than justice. George recalled the esteemed reputations of past Chief Justices, including Justice Adetokunbo Ademola, Justice Teslim Elias, and Justice Kayode Eso, who maintained the judiciary’s independence against external pressures.
He faulted the position of the former CJN Justice Kayode Ariwoola, who said that judges today seem to deliver verdicts based on “technicalities,” saying such judgement undermine the will of the people.
He queried, “How can three, five, or seven judges decide the outcome of elections for millions of Nigerians? What is the essence of voting if judges impose their will over the electorate’s choice?”
He warned that politically motivated judgments could have severe consequences for Nigeria’s democracy, both now and in the future. George stressed that judicial officers must be vigilant and avoid rulings that could undermine the democratic process.
“Judicial institutional strength is key to Nigeria’s development. Judges must resist pressure from politicians and remain impartial. They hold the power of life and death after God, and their judgments must reflect that responsibility,”
He therefore urged the CJN to take urgent action to restore the credibility of the judiciary, warning that if the public loses faith in the judicial system, anarchy could ensue. “Today, some politicians who are no better than criminals have compromised the judiciary. This is dangerous for our electoral system and for the future of Nigeria. The time to end judicial rascality is now.”