‘There is no Perfect Constitution’, Abiodun Olatunji, SAN

By Steve Aya

There has never been a perfect constitution anywhere in the world; therefore, the success of Nigeria’s democracy depends on a strong Judiciary, media, and security agencies amongst others. These were the submissions of Mr Abiodun Adediran Olatunji, SAN.

The senior Lawyer said this while delivering the lecture at the 2023 Annual Lecture of the National Association of Judicial Correspondents (NAJUC) held at the Muson Centre, Lagos, with the Theme, ‘Birthing a New Nigeria: Role of the Judiciary, Security Agencies and the Media in a Democratic Society’. 

Quoting Prof Ambedkar, the former Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee of India who said: “However, good a constitution may be, it is sure to turn out bad, because those who are called to work it happen to be a bad lot. However, bad a constitution may be, it may turn out to be good, if those who are called to work it happen to be a good lot’’.

He further identified several fundamental issues the government must resolve, for the Judiciary to become strong and independent. These included the merit-based appointment of Justices/Judges, security of Justices/Judges’ tenures, establishment/strengthening of State Judicial Councils, improved welfare of Judicial officers, sustenance of Judicial financial autonomy, while intimidation if Judges must end.

Also Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the event, Justice Taiwo Taiwo (Rtd), lamented the poor remuneration for retired Justices as a problem, particularly for Federal Judges. He revealed that his total pension as a retired Judge is below N500,000, an amount inadequate to meet his needs in the current poor economy.

“Federal Judges are badly treated after retirement, compared to State Judges. Lagos State has tried retired Judges. Lagos gives retired Judges allowances for life, buys them cars, and sends them gifts as if they’re in service’’, Justice Taiwo added.

The Judge further noted that there is a symbiotic relationship between the Judiciary and the Press, concerning information. “We owe a lot to journalists,  because the government at times has to read (the papers) and come to terms with what the people are thinking, and they can’t get the people’s feelings unless they read the papers and listen to the news. It is from there, they’ll gauge the tempo.”

Others who spoke along the same line at the event, include Mr Adetunji Oyeyipo, SAN, Mr Abiodun Olatunji, SAN and the former Editor of The Nation newspaper, Mr Lekan Otunfodunrin.

Earlier, NAJUC Chairman, Peter Fowoyo emphasised the importance of key sectors to fulfil their constitutional roles, in the country’s interest. He tasked the Judiciary and security agencies, on the need to step up their game.

“To birth a new Nigeria therefore, the Judiciary, the security agencies, and indeed, the media, must not only identify their roles and play it accordingly, they must also work together for the betterment of all Nigerians’’, Fowoyo added.