Balogun Advocates For Transparency In Judicial Appointments And Judicial Reforms
In an insightful interview with Punch, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kashopefoluwa Balogun, has called for greater transparency in the judicial appointment process, suggesting that judges’ names should be published for public comment prior to their appointments, similar to the process for SANs.
Responding to concerns about the growing number of SANs, Balogun emphasized that the quality of legal practice has not diminished, despite the increasing number of senior advocates. He pointed out that Nigeria now has over 200,000 lawyers, with less than 1,000 holding the SAN title, making it a highly selective honor. He argued that the increasing number of lawyers corresponds to a larger pool of applicants, without necessarily compromising the standard of excellence in the profession.
Balogun also echoed the sentiments of the NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), regarding judicial celebrations. He agreed that judicial appointments should be marked by moderation, with the focus on the gravity of the role rather than extravagant celebrations. He advocated for sobriety, as becoming a judge is a calling that comes with significant responsibilities.
On the issue of pension for retired judges, Balogun supported the proposal by Justice Benedict Kanyip, President of the National Industrial Court, to amend the 1999 Constitution to ensure that retired judicial officers receive the same salary and allowances as their serving counterparts. He stressed that ensuring judges’ financial security after retirement would help maintain their independence and integrity.
When discussing Nigeria’s legal system, Balogun acknowledged its roots in the British adversarial system, which presumes innocence until proven guilty. However, he expressed concern over the growing number of conflicting court judgments, particularly in political cases. Balogun argued that judicial consistency is critical, as the principle of precedent is meant to ensure similar cases are decided similarly.
He also addressed the ongoing challenges within the judiciary, calling for reforms under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. Balogun urged the CJN to prioritize modernizing the judicial system by introducing technology in case management, improving filing systems, and enhancing communication between courts and lawyers. He also highlighted the issue of overworked judges and the need to restrict the types of cases brought before the Supreme Court to ease the burden on the judiciary.
In conclusion, Balogun suggested that while the current SAN appointment process is rigorous, it remains necessary to maintain the high standards of the profession. He stressed the importance of continuous reform to improve the legal system and ensure that it serves the public effectively and efficiently.
