Group Seeks Protection of Judiciary from Politicians

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Olympus Marino Deck of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Pyrates Confraternity, has called for complete separation of the judiciary from the executive, noting that politicians have negatively influenced the judicial system.

The group made the call in a communique issued at the end of its Street Pulse Series on “Judicial Integrity vs Political influence: Examining the independence of the Courts” held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

During the programme, the group observed that the Court has been captured by the politicians, which is why they will rig election and tell the people to go to court.

They explained that the failure of the judiciary is captured in the failure of the Courts, stressing that the social contract has been broken.

“Hence, there is a need for civil disobedience. The people should take their destiny to their own hands,” they said.

 According to the group, “The judiciary is often referred to as the last hope of the common man. It is there that we run to seek succour and redress for any and all ills, perceived or real. It is here that Justice is dispensed.

“Justice is often depicted as a blindfolded lady wielding a sword in one hand and scales in another. Justice will be done no matter whose ox is gored.

 “But in recent times, the judiciary has come under intense scrutiny, especially in the light of controversial judgments issued by many Courts. Judgments that affect the very fabric of our society, that call into question the social contract that binds us as a nation.”

 They observed that judicial independence can be guaranteed at the institutional level, not the individual level, adding that “there is no complete separation of powers as the budget of the judiciary and appointment of the CJ is done by the executive arm.”

 The group further observed that “Corruption has also hindered the independence of the judiciary,” noting they there should be balance of power, not just separation of powers, saying that “The rot in the judiciary is linked to the corrupt political system.”

 The panel recalled the advice of Late Justice Niki Tobi, which adopted that “Nigerian judges should maintain a very big distance from politics and politicians.  Our constitution forbids any mingling.  As judges, we must obey the constitution. The two professions do not meet and will never meet at all in our democracy in the discharge of their functions.”

They continued that “while politics as a profession is fully and totally based on partiality, most of the time, judgeship as a profession is fully and totally based on impartiality, the opposite of partiality.” 

 The group, however, advised that the powers of the executive should be reduced, and the institutions should be strengthened, noting the need for a balance of power between the government and the people. 

 The panelists at the series include, Prof Ibibia Worika (Director, Centre for Advanced Law Research, Rivers State  University), Ken Henshaw (Human Rights Activist), Dr Miebaka Nabiebu (Lecturer, Faculty of Law UNICAL, and a Security Consultant) and George Azunda Chinda (Socio-Political Analyst).