NBA President Urges Judiciary To Address Public Perception And Justice Delays
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, has called for urgent reforms in the judiciary to address growing concerns over public perception of the courts and delays in justice delivery. Speaking at the Supreme Court’s special session to mark the beginning of the new legal year and the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), Osigwe emphasized that Nigeria’s socio-economic and political stability depends on an efficient and transparent justice system.
Osigwe congratulated the newly appointed Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, CFR, and the new SANs, acknowledging the expectations placed on the judiciary under her leadership. However, he highlighted critical issues undermining public trust in the judicial system, particularly regarding electoral matters, and warned that negative perceptions of the judiciary, especially in high-stakes cases, could erode confidence in the rule of law.
“The perception that judicial officers are appointed without regard to merit and that our courts often fail to deliver justice has become prevalent among many Nigerians,” Osigwe noted, referencing a statement by late Justice Dahiru Musdapher about public dissatisfaction with the judiciary’s performance. He added that while the courts have made commendable progress, there is an urgent need for improvement to close the gap between public expectations and the reality of justice delivery.
The NBA president also drew attention to the alarming number of detainees in Nigeria’s correctional facilities, urging the judiciary to take decisive steps to reduce unlawful detention and ensure that individuals are not held without trial. He called for regular inspection of police stations and detention centers, emphasizing that the judiciary has a role to play in preventing the abuse of the criminal justice system.
In his speech, Osigwe raised concerns about the lavish public celebrations accompanying the swearing-in of judicial officers, suggesting that such events could create unhealthy perceptions about the judiciary’s independence. He proposed that these ceremonies be held privately to preserve the solemnity of the office.
Osigwe concluded by pledging the NBA’s commitment to judicial reforms, advocating for digitization of court processes and enhanced access to justice through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. He urged the judiciary to work towards restoring public confidence and ensuring that justice is both accessible and delivered promptly.
The ceremony also saw the elevation of several legal practitioners to the prestigious rank of SAN, an acknowledgment of their professional excellence and dedication to the legal profession.
