To Justice Kekere-Ekun, Our New CJN
By Aremu Ebunoluwa Toluwani,
Dear Ma,
I extend my warmest congratulations to you on your historic appointment as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, following the retirement of your predecessor, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. Indeed, your elevation to this esteemed position is not only a personal achievement but also a milestone for Nigerian women entirely.
Your journey to this pinnacle of the judiciary is a source of inspiration and a testament to your unwavering dedication, integrity, and excellence. However, as you step into this role, you inherit a judiciary that is beset with challenges.
The Nigerian justice system, once a pillar of fairness and equity, has been compromised by deep-seated issues that have eroded public trust and hindered the delivery of justice. Foremost among these challenges is the pervasive corruption that has infiltrated the very fabric of our justice system.
Bribery, nepotism, and undue influence have become all too common, leading to a situation where justice is often bought rather than earned. This has resulted in a widespread loss of confidence in the judiciary, with many Nigerians viewing the courts as instruments of oppression rather than avenues of fairness.
The system is further weakened by chronic delays in the dispensation of justice. Cases drag on for years, with endless adjournments and appeals that serve no purpose other than to frustrate litigants and deny them timely justice.
The backlog of cases is overwhelming, and the courts are under-resourced, lacking the necessary infrastructure and personnel to function efficiently. Additionally, the lack of judicial independence is a critical issue that cannot be overlooked.
The judiciary must operate free from external pressures and political interference, yet, in many instances, judges face undue influence, compromising their ability to deliver impartial judgments. This lack of autonomy not only undermines the credibility of the judiciary but also poses a grave threat to the rule of law in Nigeria.
There is no doubt that the consequences of these challenges are far-reaching. The corruption within the judiciary means that the rich and powerful can often manipulate the system to their advantage, while the poor and vulnerable are left without recourse.
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The delay in justice delivery has led to a situation where many Nigerians have lost faith in the legal process altogether. For the average citizen, seeking justice through the courts is a daunting and often fruitless endeavor. Moreover, the lack of public awareness about legal rights and the judicial process exacerbates the problem.
Many Nigerians, particularly those in underserved communities, are unaware of their rights and how to seek redress when those rights are violated. This ignorance, coupled with a corrupt and inefficient system, leaves countless individuals without access to justice.
Therefore, there is a pressing need to address these issues head-on. Your tenure offers a unique opportunity to restore the integrity of the judiciary and to make significant strides toward a fairer, more transparent legal system. One of your primary objectives should be to tackle corruption within the judiciary.
This requires not only the implementation of strict anti-corruption measures but also a commitment to holding judges and judicial officers accountable for their actions. By promoting a culture of integrity and transparency, you can begin to rebuild public trust in the judiciary. Judicial reform must also be a priority.
This includes improving the efficiency of the courts, reducing case backlogs, and ensuring that justice is delivered in a timely manner. Expanding access to legal aid and enhancing public awareness of legal rights are crucial steps in making the justice system more accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of their socio-economic status.
Furthermore, it is essential to safeguard the independence of the judiciary. Judges must be empowered to make decisions based solely on the law and the facts of each case, without fear of reprisal or external influence. Strengthening the autonomy of the judiciary will help ensure that justice is administered fairly and impartially.
May your tenure as Chief Justice bring about the long-awaited transformation in our judiciary, ensuring that justice, in all its fairness and integrity, is accessible to every Nigerian. Your Worship, as you embark on this epochal journey as Nigeria’s Chief Arbiter, may your tenure be marked by transformative reforms that restore faith in our judicial system.
Nigerians trust that under your leadership, justice will not only be served but will also be seen as a totem of fairness and integrity across Nigeria. Let this new chapter of your CJN-ship be one where every Nigerian, regardless of status, finds equal access to justice and the assurance that the law is truly on their side.
Aremu Ebunoluwa Toluwani, an intern with PRNigeria, schools at Bowen University. She wrote in via: 07068227568.
