Judiciary graft, abuse of power diminish public confidence, AGF says

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has warned that corruption in the judiciary and the abuse of power can contribute to the breakdown of the rule of law and diminish public confidence in the judicial system.

Fagbemi stated this in his keynote address at The Gavel International yearly lecture 2024, themed “The Judiciary as the Last Hope of the Common Man: Media and Legal Perspectives,” in Lagos.

According to him, when the judiciary fails in its duties, it erodes public trust and hampers social progress in the country.

He stressed that the integrity and efficacy of the justice system largely shape the future of a nation.

Besides, he warned that if the judiciary fails to create an equitable future, society could face long-term consequences, including a rise in civil unrest and a diminished belief in the legal system as a vehicle for justice.

The minister emphasised that the judiciary’s role is foundational to the maintenance of justice and societal harmony, saying that its principal function is to provide fair and impartial resolutions to disputes, interpret laws, and safeguard individual rights.

Fagbemi, who noted that the Nigerian judiciary is one of the most respected in Africa, warned that protracted trials not only delay justice but also discourage individuals from pursuing their cases, particularly when they feel their grievances will never be resolved.

He explained that such delays can erode trust in the judiciary, as people may begin to feel that justice is inaccessible or ineffective.
In his lecture, former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dele Adesina (SAN), described the judiciary as an institution he is committed to defending and advancing at all times.

Adesina said the judiciary is not only the last hope of the common man but also the last hope of the uncommon, educated or illiterate, rich or poor, as well as the government and the governed.

He stated that the golden rule of practice is that the media must not make any comments that could prejudice a fair trial.

“The media should be wary of this. Trial by the media in criminal matters prejudices the minds of the populace and leads them to hold the court in contempt and dishonour when it ultimately reaches a conflicting or different verdict.

“More often than not, allegations of compromise and corruption are made against the judge. This is very unhealthy for the development of our legal system and judicial process.

“Our media can serve the judiciary better by promoting quality analysis of court judgments by knowledgeable individuals. This can be done through lectures of this nature, analysis by informed individuals, or the publication of journals,” he said.