Editorial
Lessons From CJN’s Resignation
On June 27, 2022, news broke that the number one judicial officer and 16th Chief Justice of Nigeria
(CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, had resigned his position, citing ill-health. Expectedly, the information, indeed, came as a shock to many stakeholders including top lawyers, politicians, and technocrats. Although health challenges are natural phenomena, many doubted if ill-health was the principal ground for his decision.
Following Muhammad’s resignation, President Muhammadu Buhari swore in Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the second in the Supreme Court ranking, as the acting CJN. Indications that all was not well emerged with the absence of the ex-CJN who was billed to speak at the opening programme of the training on alternative dispute resolution for judges at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja. Muhammad failed to appear at the function without prior notice and did not send a representative either.
Assuming office as CJN under controversial circumstances, Muhammad stepped down in an even more contentious manner. He became a Justice of the Supreme Court in 2007, from the Court of Appeal where he served for 13 years, and became the Chief Justice of Nigeria, first in an acting capacity on January 25, 2019, and then substantively on July 24, 2019. He succeeded Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen whose departure from the apex court is probably the most questionable ever in the history of the nation.
It would be recalled that less than two weeks before his historic resignation, 14 Justices of the Supreme Court confronted former Chief Justice Muhammad over his style of administration which they claimed disregarded their welfare. The development was, however, the culmination of a simmering crisis that had been on since last year, and the apex court Justices, after being pushed to the wall with no solution in sight, decided to write a formal memo to the ex-CJN.
In the internal memo jointly signed by the 14 protesting justices of the court, they complained of non-replacement of poor vehicles, accommodation problems, lack of drugs at the Supreme Court Clinic, epileptic electricity supply to the Supreme Court premises, increase in electricity tariff, no increase in the allowances for diesel, lack of internet services to residences and chambers and poor take-home pay that could no longer take them halfway, among others.
Many Nigerians, to say the least, were scandalised when the memo hit the media. They could not believe that the nation’s temple of Justice could be desecrated and tainted with allegations of maladministration with a tinge of corruption allegations. However, the nation was not kept in suspense for long as the CJN, through his media aide, Ahuraka Yusuf Isah, gave a response to the memo from the Justices. The CJN said he had managed the resources at the disposal of the apex court judiciously and that there was nothing to hide.
But the point had been made in some quarters that perhaps Justice Muhammad was pushed out of the door, and not for health reasons, because his brother Justices, who had lost confidence in him, were beginning to show signs of anger and restlessness. They even threatened to stop sitting. Imagine Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria going on strike!
Regardless, Tanko deserves commendation for voluntarily quitting his office following his inability to continue. After all, what has been reported is simple: he resigned on health grounds. Ordinarily, that should be enough. The job of a Supreme Court justice requires that he should be compos mentis and enjoy the agility of the highest order to lead a nationwide body of judges, provide leadership at the Bar and the Bench and simultaneously run the activities of the apex court of the land.
Muhammad’s resignation is a positive development. It is rare in this part of the world to see someone resign honourably and voluntarily from an exalted position. Clearly, he acted for the overall benefit of Nigeria’s judiciary and the nation at large, since he could no longer continue in office. Muhammad knew that his ill health was interfering with his job and he might not easily cope going forward. Nigerians must learn the lesson of putting safety and health first before any other considerations.
For the high office of the embattled former CJN, events of the last few months will unsettle anybody who has integrity, regardless of what might have happened. So, he has, by disengaging, in a way, rescued the total image of that institution. It shows that for people of honour, whenever their integrity is challenged or questioned, they will do what is right and put the institution above their interest. We hope other public officers of high standing like the ex-CJN in other arms of government, when the occasion calls for it, will have the respect for due process and institutional integrity.
Regrettably, however, the latest developments in the Supreme Court call for sober reflection and a need for an investigation into the situation is not improper. The allegations against the retired Chief Justice should be investigated to promote the administration of justice. The NJC, the Body of Benchers, and the anti-graft agencies should commence their separate duties. If found culpable in the end, he should be sanctioned. This is necessary to serve as a deterrent to others.
The crisis brewing between the former CJN and his colleagues is not only an embarrassment to the entire judiciary, but also a disgrace to Nigeria. The watershed at the nation’s apex court confirms that the general arbiter who, for decades remained the last hope of ordinary Nigerians, has turned against itself. If anything, it seeks to erode public confidence in this all-important arm of government. In other climes where conscience matters, this would be an additional reason for Muhammad to have left office, especially since his colleagues had lost confidence in him.
To restore the almost-lost public trust, the judiciary, especially judges at all levels of the system, must put their act together and redeem the dented image of this structure of government. The third arm of government should look inward and provide the moral rectitude for the other two arms – the Executive and the Legislature. It is time for Nigerian judges to be exemplary in character to command moral authority over citizens. Whatever it is, there is still some unfinished business around and about Muhammad’s resignation.
Nigerian workers observed this year’s May Day on the 1st of May in a somber tone, offering little cause
for celebration. The purpose of this day is to acknowledge the important role of workers in contributing to the growth and development of society. The occasion is celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm across the world. Ever since achieving independence, the labour movement in the country has persistently raised concerns regarding the country’s protracted battle for effective governance.
This year’s May Day theme, “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” underscores a critical issue facing societies worldwide. In an era marked by rising living costs, stagnant wages, and growing unemployment, economic hardship has become a pervasive challenge impacting individuals, families, and entire communities. Against this backdrop, the theme serves as both a rallying cry and a call to action—urging workers to assert their rights, amplify their voices, and actively participate in civic life. It highlights the pressing need to protect and expand civic space even in the face of adversity.
A confluence of economic woes plagues Nigerian workers, which paints a bleak picture of their current realities. High unemployment casts a long shadow, while hyperinflation erodes purchasing power and deepens financial insecurity. This dire situation is further exacerbated by pervasive insecurity, widening income inequality, and the persistent issue of abysmally low wages that fail to meet basic needs. The hardships have only intensified following President Bola Tinubu’s policy decisions to remove petrol subsidies and allow the naira to float, further straining the already stretched resources of ordinary Nigerian workers.
The cost-of-living crisis in the country is a flinty reality for its workforce, exacerbated by the persistent issues of low wages and rising unemployment. While the official unemployment rate may appear to have drastically improved to 5.0 per cent after the National Bureau of Statistics’ rebasing in 2023, many view this figure with skepticism, remembering the previous rate of 33.3 per cent. The reality for many Nigerians is far more challenging, particularly for young people, who face an unemployment rate of 18 per cent.
Nigerian workers are facing a severe economic crisis that is impacting every aspect of their lives. Rampant inflation, eroding purchasing power, with food inflation hitting a staggering level. This dramatic surge in prices is outpacing wage growth, leaving many struggling to afford basic necessities. The volatile exchange rate, with the naira fluctuating wildly against the dollar, adds another layer of instability.
The nation’s economy faces a precarious situation, teetering on the brink of crisis. With a staggering 98 per cent of Federal Government revenue dedicated to debt servicing, very little remains for essential public services and infrastructure development. This dire fiscal constraint is compounded by the country’s high crude oil production costs, severely limiting profitability and undermining the oil sector’s potential contribution to national revenue.
Simultaneously, the economy is suffering from a sharp decline in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), signalling a loss of investor confidence and further exacerbating the economic downturn. The exorbitant cost of governance acts as another significant drain on public finances, diverting resources away from crucial areas like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Additionally, many state governments are unable to implement the current 70,000 minimum wage. Their usual excuse is that the resources are not there. Several of them owe salaries and pensions.
Workers are notably disadvantaged in terms of their understanding and ability to avail themselves of middle-class securities and privileges. It is observed that basic amenities such as family vacations, social security, health insurance, and mortgage loans, which are common in other parts of the world, are considered to be a luxury in our country. As a result, workers are at risk of being poor, and this implies that they are only a paycheque away from falling into abject poverty.
While public sector job opportunities are finite, a favourable environment can enable the private sector to generate additional employment. The Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress should unite to advocate for a transparent, vibrant private-led economy that creates jobs and prosperity for all workers. Governments at all levels should enhance workers’ welfare by operating efficient administrations based on contemporary business principles. State governors must make timely payment of salaries and pensions their priority.
A suitable work environment, and the provision of a living wage, should be given utmost priority by all tiers of government. The growing number of strikes across Nigeria underscores the urgent need for the authorities to tackle the problem. It is distressing that the national minimum wage in our country is below the estimated monthly maintenance cost of a typical pet dog in the United Kingdom.
This year’s May Day presents an opportunity for both federal and state governments to tackle the increasing unemployment rates across the nation by formulating effective strategies aimed at generating additional job opportunities. The authorities can expedite their commitment to assist millions of Nigerians in breaking free from poverty by creating additional job opportunities within the agriculture sector, which possesses the capacity to employ a large number of individuals.
To strengthen its economic stability, the Nigerian government should actively seek to decrease its dependence on crude oil. Nigeria has the opportunity to build a stronger financial future by directing resources towards diversifying its economy, especially through investments in the agricultural sector and solid mineral industries. Implementing this well-thought-out strategy has the potential to strengthen economic stability and foster sustainable practices across different industries. Moreover, they are required to deal with the rising levels of insecurity that result from clashes between herders and farmers, in addition to the problems associated with banditry and insurgency.
The news of the Koton Karfe prison break in Kogi State, were met with a degree of resignation, underscores a
deeply troubling and recurrent crisis within Nigeria’s correctional system. The escape of 12 inmates, despite the swift recapture of a few, serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities plaguing these facilities. This incident is not an isolated event, but rather the latest chapter in a well-documented history of prison breaches across the country.
From the Ikoyi riot in 2004 to the more recent, and devastating, escapes linked to the #EndSARS protests, the pattern is clear: Nigerian prisons are struggling to maintain security and prevent inmates from absconding. The chilling detail of an escaped inmate immediately murdering a witness further highlights the grave consequences and potential societal impact of these failures. The sheer scale of the problem, with over 5,238 inmates escaping during 15 jailbreaks in just two years, demands urgent and comprehensive attention.
Nigeria’s correctional system is in dire need of comprehensive and urgent reform, as evidenced by a confluence of deeply troubling issues. Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s observation regarding the increased frequency of jailbreaks since the transition from Nigeria Prisons Service to Nigeria Correctional Service highlights a systemic failure in maintaining secure facilities and rehabilitative programmes.
Furthermore, public trust is eroded by credibility crises, such as the alleged premature release of crossdresser Bobrisky in 2024, suggesting potential corruption or preferential treatment within the system. Adding to this already alarming situation is the overwhelming number of awaiting-trial inmates. Of the approximately 79,863 individuals currently incarcerated, a staggering 70 per cent (53,254) are yet to be convicted, pointing to severe inefficiencies and delays within the judicial process.
Perhaps, most damning is the revelation that children constitute a reported 30 per cent of the correctional population, a statistic that shames the nation and underscores the urgent need for age-appropriate justice and rehabilitation mechanisms, moving away from simply warehousing vulnerable youth within an overburdened and ineffective system.
The penal system, fundamentally toxic at its core, suffers from a crippling combination of systemic neglect and inherent flaws. Severely underfunded and perpetually overcrowded, prisons are often characterised by crumbling infrastructure, inadequate healthcare access, and absence of meaningful rehabilitation programmes. This confluence of detrimental factors cultivates an inhumane environment that actively undermines any potential for reform, instead fostering resentment and potentially hardening inmates into more serious criminals.
The strain on resources is painfully evident even in the most basic provisions, clearly illustrated by the inadequacy of feeding allowances. While the Federal Government’s recent increase of the daily allowance from N750 to N1,125 per inmate represents a step forward, it remains grossly insufficient to provide proper nutrition, showing the pervasive and deeply ingrained nature of the problem.
The justice system is plagued by systemic inefficiencies and ethical breaches, which creates a breeding ground for injustice and exacerbating societal problems. Unacceptable delays bog down the courts, compounded by archaic manual record-keeping systems that lead to lost files and impede the swift administration of justice. The integrity of evidence is further compromised by the alleged admission of forced confessions without proper verification, raising serious concerns about due process.
This flawed system allows for the regular arrest and detention of innocent individuals, who then suffer the indignity of prolonged incarceration. Compounding these issues are credible reports of dehumanising treatment of detainees, and allegations of collusion between security agents and magistrates to unlawfully prolong custody. These failures erode public trust and create a dangerous cycle, plausibly contributing to the rise in violent crime as prison escapees, potentially radicalised or hardened by their experiences, may resort to armed robbery, banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping.
The justice system’s deep-seated flaws cultivate a breeding ground for further crime and erode public safety. Crippled by systemic delays, reliance on antiquated manual processes, and the alarming acceptance of potentially coerced confessions, the system frequently fails to deliver justice and protect the innocent. The routine arrest of innocent individuals, followed by prolonged and unjust detention, points to a broken process ripe for exploitation. Dehumanising treatment within detention facilities, coupled with alleged collusion between security agents and magistrates to circumvent due process, fosters a climate of mistrust and fuels resentment.
This dysfunction extends beyond individual injustices, potentially contributing to broader societal problems. The escape of prisoners, some of whom may then engage in violent crimes demonstrates the tangible threat these failures pose to public safety. The tragic events at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, allegedly perpetrated by escaped ISWAP members, serve as an illustration of the devastating consequences stemming from a broken and permeable justice system.
The Nigerian prison system faces a multitude of challenges, but glimmers of hope shine through. The graduation of 1,229 inmates from the National Open University of Nigeria serves as powerful evidence of rehabilitation’s potential when individuals are afforded proper educational opportunities. To further bolster this potential and address systemic issues, a shift towards true federalism with devolved prison management is necessary.
If states and local government areas establish their own custodial centres, a decentralised system can be created where suspects are housed closer to their respective jurisdictions, potentially easing overcrowding at the federal level. Simultaneously, the Federal Government must deliver on its promise to construct new custodial centres and relocate existing ones from densely populated areas. This infrastructural improvement, coupled with a rigorous vetting process to prevent wrongful incarceration, will significantly reduce the burden on the system.
Nigeria should look beyond its borders, studying and adopting best practices in prison modernisation from countries with successful rehabilitation-focused correctional systems. By prioritising rehabilitation over mere punishment, and implementing strategic reforms, Nigeria can transform its correctional system into one that fosters positive change and contributes to a safer society.
Yesterday was Easter Sunday, a day when Christians around the world celebrate their belief that Jesus Christ rose from the dead after being crucified and buried. The day is a moment for deep reflection and spiritual renewal. The Lenten season before Easter promotes self-examination, fasting, and prayers to help believers grow closer to God. This time of reflection leads to the joyful celebration of resurrection. The Risen Christ represents hope and the promise of life after death, highlighting themes of love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
For those who truly understand Easter as celebrating life’s victory over death, the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth—unjustly executed by Roman authorities—represents justice overcoming injustice, love conquering hatred, and divine compassion transcending human malice. This Easter message challenges humanity broadly and Nigerians specifically. Amid politics often devoid of morality, Easter calls us to prioritise the power of love over the love of power.
This year, Nigerians marked Easter amid a climate of insecurity, with citizens facing abduction for ransom on streets and from homes, and murder on farms and in places of worship. For many years, Nigeria has been entombed in darkness of injustice, sealed with the heavy stone of oppression. This oppression weighs down millions of citizens, preventing them from realising their God-given potential. Our national history reflects disturbing uncertainty and unnecessary, avoidable hardship for many.
Many individuals who pursue or currently occupy positions of public office have unfortunately succumbed to a distinctive form of blindness that accompanies power—a perceptual impairment that renders them unable to recognise a fundamental truth: that no nation built upon the foundation of injustice can truly endure or thrive in the long term. This deliberate refusal to see reality clearly has, over generations, enabled and perpetuated destructive cycles of inadequate governance, institutional failure, and widespread suffering among the very populations these officials have sworn to serve.
Beyond Easter’s religious festivities, we must confront the reality that our population has often fallen prey to dubious religiosity, fake patriotism, and criminally deceitful politics. Nigeria stands as a land immensely blessed by the Creator yet mindlessly damaged by negative attitudes of both leaders and citizens. Despite abundant natural endowments, our country remains populated by impoverished people.
An alarming number of young Nigerians are succumbing to despair. They see no future in their homeland and actively seek opportunities to leave a country that offers little hope to its children. Yet, Nigeria can and should rise from this tomb of hopelessness—Easter’s celebration symbolises precisely this restoration of hope in seemingly impossible circumstances.
Our collective hope must be rekindled and nurtured back to full strength. All Nigerians—from those in the highest positions of leadership to everyday citizens in communities across the nation—need to work diligently and conscientiously toward rebuilding and restoring genuine hope for the younger generation who represent our future. This essential task requires tangible, meaningful actions that clearly demonstrate a sincere commitment to positive, sustainable change rather than continuing the pattern of empty rhetoric and unfulfilled promises that has too often characterised past efforts.
If we genuinely wish to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and apply its meaning to our national situation, we must resolve to operate differently. We must commit to building a nation where oppression has no place, where elections proceed without acrimony or ethnic profiling, where voter intimidation and vote buying are eliminated, and where results reflect the true will of the people.
Easter encapsulates the profound message of new beginnings and spiritual renewal, challenging us to apply these transformative principles to the rebirth of Nigeria by wholeheartedly embracing and actualising our lofty ideals. Indeed, the generations yet unborn, who will inherit the Nigeria we shape today through our actions and commitments, deserve nothing less than a thoroughly transformed country that lives up to its full potential as the giant of Africa.
For this new Nigeria to emerge, each citizen must commit to living with a completely renewed attitude. We must embrace transformation at both personal and collective levels. The journey toward national renewal begins with individual change—in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Easter should be understood not merely as a celebration but as a sacred obligation to our nation and one another. It represents a profound opportunity for rebirth and restoration. Just as the Easter story speaks of sacrifice leading to new life, our nation requires our collective sacrifice and dedication to experience true renewal.
This season imposes upon us the responsibility to rise from the dark tomb into which greed and selfishness have pushed us, embracing a new life dedicated to truth, goodness, and love. If Nigerians continue with business as usual—maintaining corrupt practices and self-serving attitudes—there would be no legitimate cause for celebration. Indeed, the true meaning of Easter for Nigeria lies not in festivities alone but in our collective determination to resurrect our nation from its current challenges toward a brighter, more hopeful future.