Rights Activist Calls For Ban On Politicians With Judicially Connected Spouses, From Elective Positions
A prominent human rights activist, Ijeoma Nwafor, has called for legislation to prevent the spouses of prominent Nigerian politicians from holding key positions in the country’s judiciary. Speaking at a public gathering on Thursday, which was attended by top politicians, including All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Nwafor underscored the importance of an independent judiciary free from political influence.
Nwafor expressed deep concern over the pervasive political interference in the appointment of Supreme Court Justices and other judges, which she cited as a significant barrier to achieving fair justice in Nigeria. “The judiciary should not be seen mingling with politicians. That is the root of the problem,” she stated.
She highlighted the issue of political figures whose spouses hold judicial positions, questioning the integrity of such arrangements. “If you are a corrupt Nigerian and you become a judge, you will be a corrupt judge. If you are a corrupt Nigerian and you become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), you will be a corrupt SAN. It starts from the home; it starts from the community,” Nwafor said, emphasizing the need for accountability at all levels.
Nwafor proposed that legislation be introduced to prohibit the spouses of prominent politicians from serving as judges. “Why should a prominent politician’s wife be able to become a judge? It should be against the law. We have to regulate this. If your wife is to be a judge, then you need not be an elected official; you must pick one,” she argued.
She also pointed out the potential for conflicts of interest, referencing recent cases where judges related to politicians have been involved in controversial decisions. For instance, she mentioned Justice Eberechi Suzette Wike, wife of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who was recently listed among the final nominees for the Court of Appeal judges.
Nwafor’s comments come in the wake of revelations made during the Senate Valedictory Session in June 2023 by Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa, who disclosed that his wife, Zainab Bulkachuwa, had assisted some of his colleagues during her tenure as President of the Court of Appeal.
Nwafor concluded by urging for serious consideration of her proposal, warning that the mingling of political and judicial powers could further erode public trust in Nigeria’s legal system.
