Enugu, Nigeria — Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, asserted that Nigeria’s judiciary, not the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is the most significant problem facing the country’s democracy. Obi made these remarks at the fifth memorial of late Justice Anthony Aniagolu held at Godfrey Okoye University in Enugu.
During his address, Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, criticized the state of Nigeria’s judicial system, claiming that justice is often sold to the highest bidder, leading to a decline in judicial integrity. “While the judiciary today still boasts a few outstanding judges, there is an undeniable decline in our judicial system. This decline poses a significant threat to the future of Nigeria. Justice is increasingly commodified and delivered in favor of the highest bidder,” he said.
Obi emphasized that although INEC is frequently blamed for the challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy, the real issue lies within the judiciary. “Whenever democracy is discussed, fingers point to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the problem. But INEC is not the problem; instead, the judiciary is. The judiciary is the biggest threat to Nigeria. If our judiciary is effective, our businesses will thrive,” he explained.
He further elaborated on the broader implications of a compromised judicial system, noting that it disproportionately affects the most vulnerable members of society and undermines the nation’s stability. “When the rule of law is compromised, the most vulnerable members of society are disproportionately affected, and the fabric of our society begins to fray. The integrity of our institutions, the protection of human rights, and the stability of our nation are all jeopardized,” Obi stated.
Highlighting the critical role of the rule of law, Obi stressed that it is the most valuable asset of any society and urged for its protection and preservation. “The rule of law is the highest intangible and most valuable asset of any society, and we must work tirelessly to protect and preserve it. We must prioritize the pursuit of justice above all else,” he urged.
Obi called for a revitalization of Nigeria’s judicial system, advocating for the independence of the judiciary and the promotion of key values such as character, competence, capability, compassion, and integrity among jurists and political leaders. “By doing so, we can ensure justice and fairness prevail as we endeavor to build a better Nigeria for all,” he concluded.
Obi lamented the current state of Nigeria, describing it as a country where the rule of law is virtually non-existent, leading to widespread injustice. “Nigeria has become a country where anything goes. There is no rule of law, there is almost no judiciary. Everybody could be pushed down because there is no rule of law,” he lamented.
He further criticized the commercial nature of the judiciary, which he said makes it difficult to obtain true justice. “Because the judiciary has become commercialized and depends on how much one pays, it has become difficult to get true justice in the judiciary. At any point in time where the judiciary is not working, the society suffers,” Obi asserted.
