At NACL conference, stakeholders canvass judiciary independence

Worried about the perennial executive interference, some stakeholders have advocated an independent judiciary that is truly free from any form of external influence.

They made this advocacy at the second National Association of Catholic Lawyers (NACL) Archdiocese of Lagos yearly conference with the theme, “An independent judiciary in a democratic polity.”

At the event, the stakeholders insisted that for the judiciary to be truly independent, it must tackle the fundamental problems, such as judicial appointments, decision-making processes and funding, among others.

For the retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Oludotun Adebola Adefope-Okojie, judiciary appointment process must be dealt with to ensure the right people are selected for the job.

Retired partner at Aelex law firm and an independent arbitrator, Funke Adekoya (SAN) explained that the judiciary is supposed to check the excesses of the executive and the legislature to ensure they operate within their mandates.

According to her, for the judiciary to be independent, decision-making processes of the sector also need to be addressed.

“That can only happen if we as individuals, irrespective of how we have been appointed judges or magistrates, have an independent mindset.

“We need to look at those checks and balances in terms of independent funding and appointment of judicial officers,” she said. Human rights activist, Senator Shehu Sani, said the judiciary must be innovative in terms of finding ways to protect itself from politicians and politics.

The former lawmaker lamented that the judiciary is not the only arm of government that needs independence, saying the legislature needs it too.
“Whoever you see as a senator or as a member of the House of Representatives, is a candidate or an appointee of somebody. At the periphery, the fellow is elected, but he or she is somebody’s stooge, agent, wife, or son-in-law.

“There are those who are in the National Assembly just to hold the seat for the governor of their states.

“There are those who are in the National Assembly because they couldn’t become governors, so they are told to go there and wait. Some are in the National Assembly because they simply want to settle their constituency or someone.

“So, there are just a few that are there because they want to serve their people,” he declared. On the aspect of decongesting correctional facilities, a Judge, High Court of Lagos State, Justice A.J. Coker noted that the Chief Judge of Lagos, by his statutory powers, cannot decongest them by releasing convicted people, adding that it is only the governor, who can do so through the amnesty process. She added that plea bargains and granting of bail are other ways to decongest correctional centres.

Rev Sister Maureen Iwu of the Institute of the Sisters of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus stated that for the judiciary system to be independent, it must be surrounded by people of integrity.

Earlier in his keynote address, an Independent Non-Executive Director at Dangote Cement, Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh who was represented by his son, Oshone Ikazoboh stated that without independence, Nigeria risks compromising the very foundation upon which the democratic society is built. He noted that without transparency, objectivity, and independence, all the systems would fail.

“In the same way that accountants ensure the integrity of the financial system, the judiciary must ensure the integrity of the courts. Judges must be free from external influences, just as financial professionals must remain unbiased.

“It is crucial that we as members of the society support and advocate the independence of the judiciary,” Ikazoboh said. He charged Catholic lawyers to ensure that the judiciary remains independent and that justice is served without fear or favour.

The National President, NACL, Mr. Edward Ogar in his goodwill message lamented that the judiciary once regarded as the last hope of the common man has been rigged, violated, and discarded at will by the political class and the controllers of the economic fortunes of the country. He noted that Nigeria is in dire need of courageous and incorruptible judges.

President, NACL Lagos, Florence Atuluku earlier in her opening address, said the judiciary remains a crucial pillar in the pursuit of good governance, economic development, and the protection of the rights of the vulnerable and indigent.

On the choice of the theme, Atuluku stated that it is in recognition of the important role of the Judiciary as a viable tool for the promotion of good governance, economic development, promotion of equity, fairness, and justice across all strata of society, especially for the vulnerable and indigent.

“The Nigerian judiciary has been in the eye of the storm over the years with red flags around its independence, attendant reputational queries, and massive erosion of confidence, both locally and internationally,” she stated.

At the thanksgiving service on Sunday, NACL president appealed to the lawyers to continue to uphold and project the catholic values in the Nigerian judicial system even in the face of daunting challenges. She also charged them to be committed to the cause of justice, equity, and fairness.

In his goodwill message, Partner and Head of Tax at ALN|Aluko & Oyebode, Chukwuka Ikwuazom (SAN) urged Catholic lawyers to be committed to the values of justice, fairness, and integrity that guide the legal profession.

“Your role in defending the rule of law and ensuring justice, particularly for the most vulnerable in society, remains commendable. I applaud your continued dedication and encourage you to remain steadfast in the pursuit of truth and justice,” Ikwuazom, who was the former Lagos NBA chairman, charged them.