Former NHRC Chairman Expresses Concerns Over Judiciary Integrity
Chidi Odinkalu, the former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has voiced serious concerns over the state of the Nigerian judiciary, stating that it can no longer be seen as the hope of the common man.
The prominent human rights activist pointed out that the deterioration in the Nigerian judiciary began years ago and has now reached the country’s Supreme Court, which is a matter of grave concern.
Odinkalu highlighted the gravity of corruption within the judiciary, referencing a recent statement by retired Justice Dattijo Muhammad of the apex court.
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“If corruption has gotten up to the Supreme Court, you have to acknowledge that if you have a Judiciary in which Judges of the Supreme Court are saying that the Supreme Court itself is a problem, then you have a credible problem.
It can no longer be described as the last hope of the common man. We have to address it,” Odinkalu emphasized.
He further noted that the sentiment expressed by retired Justice Dattijo Muhammad aligns with a trend that has been well-documented over the past two decades.
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Odinkalu emphasized that there are capable individuals who could serve on the bench today, and they extend beyond the close circles of Judges and politicians.
“There are good men and good women; these good men and women are not confined to the sons, daughters and mistresses of Judges and politicians.
That is the problem. Look around today. The sixteen Senior Advocates of Nigeria in Kogi State are asking that appointments to the bench be suspended because the Governor, they allege, wants to make his wife a High Court Judge,” he added.
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He concluded by addressing the issue of political influence in judicial appointments, emphasizing the need for an unbiased and transparent selection process.
