In a recent statement via his official X account, Chidi Odinkalu, a law professor and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, has reacted to a statement made by retired Supreme Court Justice Amina Augie.
Justice Augie had commented on the influence of politicians in the Nigerian judiciary.
She said that politicians are strategic and want to appoint judges who will be useful to them.
Odinkalu responded to her statement and criticized the current state of the rule of law in Nigeria.
Odinkalu suggested that the influence of politicians in the judiciary undermines the legal system.
“This is how the #RuleOfLaw works in #Nigeria,” Odinkalu wrote.
Justice Augie’s comment has brought conversation about the growing practice of nepotism in the Nigerian judiciary.
Many people are concerned that the appointment of judges is being influenced by political interests.
They fear that this could lead to a lack of impartiality in the judiciary, where judges may favor the politicians who helped appoint them.
Odinkalu’s reaction reflects the concerns of many Nigerians who are worried about the integrity of the judicial system.
Many argue that when judges are chosen based on their connections to politicians rather than their qualifications, it weakens the entire legal system.
They believe that justice should be impartial and not influenced by political agendas.
Supporters of Justice Augie’s statement argue that she is simply pointing out a reality that has been present in the Nigerian judiciary for a long time.
They believe that acknowledging the problem is the first step towards addressing it….Vïêw–Môrê