Kogi Guber: Judges As Instruments Of Injustice? By Usman Abdulrazak
The ongoing Kogi Gubernatorial dispute has led Nigerians to express their disillusionment with the judiciary, which they perceive as being manipulated by politicians.
In response to this crisis, the civil society group “Citizens for Justice” organized a seminar in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, advocating for judicial reform and transformative democracy.
The event brought together legal experts, activists, and concerned citizens to emphasize the need for a reformed judiciary that upholds justice, fairness, and accountability in governance.
Convener, Barrister Yahaya Abdulganiyu highlighted the importance of judicial independence and the need for reforms to enhance transparency and efficiency in the legal system. Abdulganiyu in his statement made available to the press, expressed disappointment over Kogi State’s negative attention in the media due to various litigations, accusations of judicial bribery, inducing the tribunal and appeal court; and former Governor Yahaya Bello’s corruption case.
Speaking at the event, human rights advocate Dr Nafisa Ozovehe Ibrahim emphasized the role of a reformed judiciary in advancing social justice and equality. She advised the National Judicial Council to enforce strict disciplinary measures against corrupt judges. Ibrahim pointed out that judges are now perceived as tools in the hands of political actors, raising concerns about the judiciary’s impartiality and independence.
According to her; “In Kogi State for example, there are allegations of multi-billion Naira bribes to secure favourable judgments in favour of Governor Usman Ododo, people were alleging that judges are being paid over 10 billion Naira to give judgement in favour of the APC. APC supporters were already congratulating themselves and the governor 72 hours before the judgement. It was everywhere on social media. Of course, there was a leak of privileged information to the public. Unfortunately, once-respected judges are now seen as mere tools in the hands of political actors.”
Barrister Abel Babatunde, one of the speakers in a comment said the essence of this seminar is to brainstorm and resolve the need for the Federal Government to build a robust judiciary, essential for safeguarding citizens’ rights and ensuring the rule of law.
According to him; “Kogi State has been in the news for so many reasons; different litigations, accusations of Judges being induced by cash to give favourable judgements, and the corruption case of former Governor Yahaya Bello, who has been declared wanted and several legal discos from various quarters. It is disappointing and retrogressive for a state like Kogi to be constantly in the news for negative reasons.” He said.
The seminar concluded with a panel discussion in which participants shared their perspectives on challenges facing the judiciary and proposed solutions for reform.
Regarding the Kogi gubernatorial dispute, the forum urged the Supreme Court to protect democracy by rectifying alleged errors made by the Tribunal and the Court of Appeal.
Despite evidence of discrepancies in voter accreditation and election results, both courts dismissed the Social Democratic Party’s case against Governor Ododo’s victory, citing insufficient evidence of electoral malpractice and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
*Usman Abdulrazak writes from Lokoja, Kogi State.
