Application
How does all this concern us as a people running a judicial system? The judiciary is the third estate of the realm in a democratic system of government, an important pillar upon which government stands, the interpreter of the law; the last hope of the common man. The Judiciary is under constitutional obligation to uphold the law and do justice to everyone. These appellations make the job of the judiciary a very difficult one, I must say. It is difficult because you must have to answer or defend your name at any cost.

Every nation, just like Nigeria, has a Constitution, which is the law that should guide all we do. The states also go on to make laws, which guide how they should operate. The judiciary has the responsibility of interpreting this law.

This law applies to everybody, the leaders and the led. The law tells the leaders what they should do or not do and how they should do or not do it, in matters of administration, finances, education, security, welfare, moral conducts and discipline, among others. It also includes what the people should do or not do and how they should do or not do it, as long as they remain and live within the country’s jurisdiction.

Today, like it was in the history of the Israelites and the days of Jesus, there are some who would misinterpret, misquote, misunderstand, miss apply, abuse and distort the laws of the land, mainly for personal interest. Some will even resist and protest against the interpretation and application.

It is worrisome that the court can have different interpretations of the law and different rulings on the same matter. Court A says one thing and court B says another on the same matter. One wonder if it is not the same law that guides the same matter or is it a matter of the same law but different interpretation? This confuses the lay public. The lawyers and the judges should help us.

Or still, is it a matter of the highest bidder? Or he that pays the piper dictates the tune?” One then questions where is the integrity of the judiciary?

Is it the case of bad eggs in the basket? If that is the case, then it will do us well to reform the system and regain credibility, as we have been calling for the reformation of the law enforcement department- the police and others.

And I am sure it is not about the welfare of the judiciary, because I know that in Rivers State, for example, the judges have good houses and good cars and they are not owed salaries.

It is said that the “judiciary is the last hope of the common man.” In this nation, however, one observes that “the judiciary is the last hope of the common man,” only when one is favoured but the judiciary is corrupt when one is not favoured. We forget that in every competition, one person or team must win and another must lose.

(Text of sermon preached at the 2021/2022 Legal Year Opening Ceremony of the Rivers State, Judiciary on Thursday, 11th November, 2021 at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Diobu, Port Harcourt by The Most Rev. Dr. Blessing C. Enyindah, JP, Archbishop, Niger Delta Province and Bishop, Diocese of Ikwerre (Anglican Communion)

TO BE CONTINUED