Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has launched a scathing attack on Nigeria’s judiciary, blaming it for enabling Godswill Akpabio’s rise to Senate President. In a fiery statement, Ezekwesili alleged that a corrupt judicial system has allowed Akpabio, a former Akwa Ibom governor, to secure a senatorial seat and ascend to one of Nigeria’s most powerful political positions. She argued that without systemic rot in the judiciary, Akpabio’s political career would have been halted long ago due to allegations of corruption and electoral malpractices that have trailed him.
Ezekwesili’s remarks, made during a public lecture in Abuja, underscore growing concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial processes. She pointed to cases where court rulings have allegedly been influenced by political interests, allowing controversial figures like Akpabio to evade accountability. “The judiciary is the bedrock of democracy, but in Nigeria, it’s a tool for the highest bidder,” she said, accusing the system of shielding powerful politicians.
Akpabio, who became Senate President in June 2023, has faced criticism over his political record, including accusations of mismanagement during his governorship. Critics, including Ezekwesili, claim his legal battles over election disputes were resolved under questionable circumstances, raising doubts about judicial independence. She called for urgent reforms to restore public trust in the courts, warning that Nigeria’s democracy is at risk without a fair and impartial judiciary.
The Senate President’s office has not responded to Ezekwesili’s allegations. However, her comments have sparked heated debates on social media, with many Nigerians echoing her concerns about judicial corruption. Others argue that Akpabio’s leadership has brought stability to the Senate. As the controversy grows, Ezekwesili’s critique highlights the urgent need for judicial accountability in Nigeria’s fragile democracy.
