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Saving The Judiciary …That Confab’s View On Rogue Judges
When, in his work, Don Quixote in England (1734) English Novelist Henry Fielding said, “I am as sober as a judge, he was unconsciously highlighting one of the most important attributes of men and women who sit in judgement over others. With powers as total as to pronounce death sentence or solitary confinement, a judge must, at all times, embrace solitude as a bride, in weighing facts before him.
In carrying out such duty, what should be uppermost is justice. That is why the English Jurist, Lord Gordon Hewart, (IN Court, 1923. In Jackson’s The Chef) insisted, “It is not merely of some importance but is of fundamental importance that Justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done”.
This expectation had in recent times become a scarce commodity in Nigeria as justice now seems to be exclusive reward of the affluent, high and mighty. It is no secret that corruption had infiltrated the judiciary to such disturbing extents that very few consider courts as worthwhile avenues for dispute resolution. Infact, it is now commonplace for poor jobless youth to remain in prison as Awaiting Trial Members, for years, for a sin of wandering while a rich man, known to have embezzled billions of naira meant for others’ pension is merely slapped in the wrist and set free.
That there are indeed corrupt judges is not an issue for debate. But for how long should such judicial officers be allowed to mock the very temple of justice they swore to hold sacred?
This is why it came to very few as a surprise when the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar said last week that there would soon be an annual evaluation of judicial officers, particularly judges and magistrates with a view to weeding the judiciary of criminals in glorious robes. That, in itself attests to the fact that corruption has indeed taken root in the judiciary.
As the last hope of the common man, the judiciary cannot afford to be below board. It cannot compromise truth for pecuniary benefits and for the same, upturn justice to favour the affluent.
Most importantly, judges cannot afford to lose their expected sober mien in adjudicating over the worries of men. For to do so will be to court anarchy which comes when men and women lose faith in the courts and resort to jungle justice to settle scores.
It is in avoidance of these and to protect the judiciary from itself that the National Conference Committee on Civil society labour, youth and sports recently proposed 50 years imprisonment and loss of official entitlements for judges convicted of corruption and perversion of justice. The committee in its report presented last week Thursday by its chairman, Mrs Bola Ogunrimade said that it was such proposal that revived the Asian nations.
“Judiciary officers convicted or found guilty of corruption and perversion of justice should be liable to 50 years imprisonment and loss of all official entitlements including gratuities and pensions.”
The committee also proposed the strengthening of National Human Rights Commission, anti-corruption agencies and National Orientation Agency by making them independent in appointments, operations and funding. “Otherwise some judges will continue to upturn justice in favour of the have’s over the have nots.
Not too long ago, a commercial cab driver whose wife was caught with an influential politician, and confronted the strange man was arrested and charged to court for attempted murder. The driver remained in ATM for months and by the time he was released, his wife had finally moved in with his tormentor. But because the cab driver had to sign an undertaking never to get close to his wife’s new boyfriend or lose his freedom, he had continued to lick his wounds up till this day.
What of the celebrated land dispute between the indigent son of a farmer and a wealthy trader? The trader made sure that the young man was remanded in prison awaiting trial for more than six months only to find, upon return, a mansion on his late father’s farmland, the subject of the dispute.
These are only few examples of how miscarriage of justice occur and how the higher bidders did everything to buy justice, through corrupt judges.
But perhaps the most dangerous examples of miscarriage of justice are those involving political disputes arising from elections. Election tribunals are meant to right wrongs in the conduct of elections. But there are instances where those depended upon to do right place price tags on justice and in the end favour the willing and ready.
Often, politicians battle to win elections at all cost, take oath of office and pay through the state’s nose to defend a rigged election. Those who appear headstrong, and fail to meet necessary demands are shown the way out of office.
These are why even lawyers scramble for seats in Election Tribunals more because of the juicy packages that that kind of justice attracts than for the need to uphold truth. Infact, the temple of justice has become a shrine of corruption and the sacred blindfold of the innocent lady removed.
Such is the moral depravity that has permeated the judiciary. And so deep, only drastic measures like the options of the Chief Justice and the National Conference Committee on Justice can indeed check. But will these ever see the light of day? Why not.
After all, this will not be the first time the Chief Justice had lamented corruption and corrupt judges in the judiciary. Infact, not too long ago, some judges were suspected and others retired over related concerns.
However, what should also be considered as very worrisome are conflicting judgements on related issues. The legal tradition of referring to existing rulings on related cases is gradually being abandoned to meet the needs of the pay masters. So also are questionable injunctions and counter injunctions.
Today, it is commonplace for a judge to grant interlocutory injunction only to be countered by another injunction by another court of same jurisdiction.
These are why many believe that a lot needs to be done to cleanse the judiciary of the rot of corruption that has afflicted it. Reckless adjournments meant to frustrate lilitiqants is today common place, thanks to the rot. Another is the conspiracy of lazy lawyers and judges to protect high bidders.
Therefore, a re-orientation of the judiciary must be all-embracing, if any meaningful changes are to be expected. The judicial high command must strive to earn the trust and confidence of the ordinary Nigerian if it hopes to have facts concerning such rogue judges. Another is the ability to summon the needed political will to properly investigate, try and punish such corrupt judges without playing espirit de corp with such complaints and trials.
The judicial officers must themselves realise that unless bad eggs were fished out, they would share in the distrust and disrespect which often attend some courts on account of such corruption related deeds. Since oil that touches a finger quickly spreads to the rest, such self-examination will be helpful in the planned campaign.
However, it must be stated that independence of the judiciary may be key to stopping the occasional influence the executive arm enjoys over the judiciary. Even so, a good judge is depended upon to keep his head high above water, be sober and at all times defend justice. That would not only earn him respect and honour, it will, also discourage those who may seek to corrupt him to look the other way, fore-warned that the judge is indeed incorrigible.
My Agony is that Judges are part of the corrupt society that has lost respect for integrity, truth and honour. And so, some judges have become victims of the same rot which only few can resist.
Methinks the 50 year jail term for corrupt judicial officers will help check the steady drift of the temple of justice into oblivion.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
Justice Aloma Mukhtar
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has promised to give the best attention to the education sector so that standard and quality learning will never be compromised in the State.
The governor emphasised that in achieving such legacy, schools in the State will be driven with a curriculum that will equip school-aged children to become competitive, innovative and self-reliant.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Governing Council of Rivers State University at Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He said: “There is a lot of noise everywhere: people asking what we are doing; that we are not focused, and that we don’t have direction.
”But I want to tell the world that we are focused and aware that we cannot grow if our energies are not channeled to education. Not just education, but purposeful education.
”Education that is creative. Education that gives you independence. We have left the era in the world when you speak too much grammar. We are in such times when it is what you can do with your hands.
”Our purpose for education is that we should bring back our academic programmes to where, at the end of your studies, you don’t need a job but you create jobs. When one creates a job, you automatically employ others. That is what I want this council to see as their task.”
Governor Fubara noted the non-existence of public secondary schools for the male child in the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
He said such negligence leaves children in that area who have completed primary education, and whose parents cannot afford sending them to far away secondary schools, to roam the streets, and therefore becoming willing tools for criminality.
Governor Fubara assured that such fundamental problem will be addressed by his administration as a measure to curb the negative impression associated with Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
The governor said he trusts in the capacity of the members of the Governing Council of Rivers State University to bring about positive change in the institution while also contributing their quota to improving the general education standard in the State.
”I charge you, not just in terms of administering the affairs of the university, but let us add something different from the normal things that we already have to see new things.”
In her response, on behalf of the other members, the Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council of Rivers State University, Justice Mary Odili (rtd), thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in such capacity.
Justice Odili assured they will work assiduously as a team to solve the problems that agitate the mind of the governor and ensure their contributions form part of the legacy that will be bequeathed by his administration.
The members included Justice Mary Odili (rtd) as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council with Barrister Mela Oforibika and Chukwuma Chinwo, Esq.
Others were Adata Bio-Briggs, Esq., Dr. Jonathan Nimi Hart, Ngo Martins-Yellowe, Dr. Nancy Nwankwo, Dr. Igoni William-Park, and Mr. Ogbugbu Barisua.
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