The Nigerian Bar Association Akure Branch has criticised the practice of the executive arm of government awarding contracts on behalf of the judiciary, describing it as a violation of judicial independence.
The branch chairman, Mr. Friday Umar, said it was inappropriate for governors to handle contracts relating to the construction of court buildings or the purchase of vehicles for judges, as such actions interfere with the autonomy of the judiciary.
Speaking ahead of the branch’s annual Law Week, Umar noted that for democracy to function effectively, the judiciary must be able to deliver justice without fear or favour. He stressed that electoral justice is vital to democratic governance, warning that when the electoral system is compromised, the government produced from such a process may also lack legitimacy. According to him, “for democracy to thrive, there must be a judiciary that delivers justice without fear or favour.”
This year’s Law Week will focus on the theme Nigeria Quest for a Utilitarian Judiciary and Roles for Stakeholders. Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani Kayode, is expected to deliver the keynote address. The programme will feature a session on Promoting Electoral Justice through Legislative and Judicial Systems, led by Dr Remi Olatubora SAN, with Olumide Olujimi SAN and Adamson Adeboro SAN as discussants. Umar said a communiqué will be issued at the end of the event with recommendations aimed at strengthening both electoral and judicial systems.
Umar called for reforms to streamline pre election litigations, adding that political parties that violate democratic principles should face the law. On conflicting court judgments, he explained that the National Judicial Council is taking steps to curb forum shopping. He noted that “sometimes conflicting decisions arise from differences in judges perspectives,” but added that the NJC has now introduced guidelines to prevent litigants from moving cases across jurisdictions in search of favourable judgments.
While commending the Ondo State Government for constructing a new judicial complex named after the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Umar maintained that such projects should ideally be handled by the judiciary itself in order to protect its independence. He emphasised the need for an independent and transparent judicial system, stating that a strong judiciary is essential for restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
Umar also stated that the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act would be closely monitored by the NBA, with the association preparing to forward its recommendations after the Law Week to the government and other relevant stakeholders. He added that pre election matters arising from party primaries should be properly streamlined to reduce unnecessary cases escalating to the Supreme Court. He urged citizens to play their part in protecting democracy, saying those who accept money to sell their votes contribute to the nation’s problems and hinder the growth of a credible electoral system.
