By Bayo Akinlade

Sir: This author is not yet tired of speaking truth to power as it seems that we are all going to suffer the consequences of a crippled justice system; whether you are rich or poor, educated or ignorant, politically aware or completely clueless; a society without justice tends towards anarchy…. and we don’t want that.

Most states in Nigeria are one party states, however you look at it and this has not helped the justice system much.

In Lagos State, for instance, when it comes to the Justice system I must say that the APC-led government has crippled the Judiciary. Members of the State House of Assembly have failed woefully in ensuring that the welfares of the lower courts are made a priority.

They have passed zero legislation in the last eight years or more to improve the conditions of the lower courts even after the National Assembly showed them the way by passing laws not only improving the welfare of judges but also the welfare of the lower courts in the Federal Capital Territory.

It is an understatement to say that the lower courts in Nigeria are a symbol of Justice. It represents neutrality and hope for those who have nowhere to turn to. But unfortunately, it can be used as a way of oppressing the poor and less privileged. Perhaps it is for the latter reason that the political elites seek to under-fund the lower courts and refuse to do what is right by them.

When the cost of fuel was increased, for instance, lower court judges were not given any soft landing at all. They are still required to go to court and attend to citizens with their current (insufficient) salaries.

What extra burden does this fuel increase place on lower court judges? Well I can tell you for free that access to justice will suffer more and the hope in the justice system will continue to dwindle.

We don’t want a one-party system whether it’s at the federal or at the state level so let’s shake things up a bit. Let’s consider distributing our votes along party lines so that we can force our candidates to fight for the people when they get to the Legislative chamber.

We are tired of being oppressed and marginalised. If those in the Legislative chambers cannot see their way through to improving the lot of the lower courts perhaps it’s time we show them the way out!

Bayo Akinlade is the convener of Citizens Support For Lower Courts.