Nigeria: Intimidating the Judiciary in Ekiti

29 September 2014
opinion

The race and competition for the descent to the bottom is in vogue in Nigeria. In the last couple of weeks, we have accelerated that descent and we may soon hit that rock which we have been avoiding over the years. We have lost the capacity to be shocked, outraged or even to complain and weep at incredible violations and attacks on the morals, laws and values that make us human and a civilsed society. Where do we begin from? The violations are legion and the authorities do not seem to understand the need for an appropriate response to these matters. It is business as usual in an unusual manner.

Society exists on the basis of laws, rules, regulations, norms and values that should bind all members. There is separation of powers in government and roles are assigned to the executive, legislature and judiciary. Powers are given to the judiciary to determine disputes between individuals and individuals and the state and other private interests. This is guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and even our traditions at the grass roots created dispute resolution mechanisms in one form or the other. The courts enjoy the confidence and respect of all and its decisions are enforced by the power and sanction of the state. But when judges and other personnel of courts of law are constantly subjected to physical attack by hoodlums instigated by a party to a dispute in court, the hallowed chambers of the judiciary are desecrated.

...

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.