Maikyau Decries The Narrative That Nigerian Judges Are Corrupt And Can Be Compromised, Calls For Improved Welfare Of Judges
*extols virtues of Rtd. Justice Mojeed Owoade, JCA
On the 19th October, 2022, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN delivered a valedictory address in honour of Hon. Justice Mojeed Adekunle Owoade, retired Justice of the Court of Appeal at the Court of Appeal, Ibadan.
In his address, the NBA President decried the narratives that Nigerian judges are corrupt and can be compromised.
In his words, “the fact that the toe in a body is infected by cancer or has turned gangrenous does not make the entire body rotten. And if the toe is so infected, the way to save the body is to amputate the toe. That is what we must do as members of the legal profession; either on the Bench or Bar and we must speak loudly to the nation about who we truly are, to correct that negative perception. If we do not do so, it will be an abdication of duty on our part, and if we completely lose the confidence of the public, resort to self-help and the attendant chaos will be inevitable. We must break the silence!”
While acknowledging that the challenges faced in the system of administration of justice in Nigeria include the issue of manpower at the Bench, the NBA President also urged for a better Conditions of Service for judicial Officers.
Mr. President described Hon. Justice Owoade (rtd) as one of the numerous examples of integrity, honesty and excellence in the legal profession and on behalf of the NBA, he congratulated the jurist on the excellent service record and glorious exit from the Bench.
The full address of the NBA President is herewith attached.
