Northern Elders Forum, NEF, has expressed worry over the
current state of affairs within the country’s judiciary.
NEF in a statement, yesterday by its Convener, Prof. Ango
Abdullahi, stressed the need for the judiciary to be cautious in its actions to
prevent the erosion of its integrity, public trust, and confidence.
He said: “The potential consequences of these actions may
ultimately validate the concerns raised by retired Supreme Court Justice,
Dattijo Mohammed in his valedictory remarks about corruption and undue
compromises within the judiciary.
“We recognise the importance of a fair and impartial
judiciary in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding democratic principles.
The judiciary plays a critical role in ensuring justice,
protecting citizens’ rights, and preserving the credibility of the electoral
process.
Any actions that compromise these principles undermine the
very foundation of any democratic nation.
“NEF, therefore, calls on all levels of the judiciary to
uphold the highest ethical standards and maintain impartiality in their
decision making processes.
“Judges should exhibit unwavering integrity and resilience
when adjudicating cases, especially those pertaining to elections.
“The judiciary plays a crucial role in sustaining
constitutional democracy by ensuring the rule of law, protecting individual
rights, and providing checks and balances on the other branches of government.
However, if the judiciary fails to fulfill its responsibilities, it can have
severe implications for the stability and functioning of a democratic society.
“The current trend may encourage politicians to view
politics as a do-or-die affair. When the judiciary fails to effectively
adjudicate disputes and hold politicians accountable for their actions, it
creates an environment where politicians feel emboldened to engage in corrupt
practices, abuse their power, and disregard the principles of democracy. This
erosion of trust in the judiciary can lead to a breakdown of democratic norms
and values, ultimately undermining the legitimacy of the political system.
“Furthermore, a
collapsing judiciary jeopardizes the safeguarding of constitutionalism, which
is the cornerstone of any democratic society. The judiciary acts as the
guardian of the constitution, ensuring that laws and policies adhere to the
principles enshrined within it.
“Without a functioning judiciary, there is a risk of
constitutional violations going unchecked, leading to the erosion of citizens’
rights and freedoms. This can result in a loss of public confidence in the
democratic process, as citizens may feel that their voices are not being heard
or that their rights are being trampled upon.
“The fairness and transparency of the judicial system are vital
for fostering public trust, confidence, and belief in the democratic process.
“NEF believes that the judiciary should be an unbiased and
independent arm of government, which is essential to the success of democracy
and it should not be seen as compromising the integrity of its decisions
particularly at a time when the nation is grappling with a range of challenges.
“NEF, therefore, calls on the judiciary to consider the
consequences of its actions and decisions and strive to uphold the rule of law
in all its activities to justify the confidence reposed on it by Nigerians.
The NEF called on the public to remain vigilant in as to the
direction the nation’s judiciary is headed and not to hesitate to expose any
perceived misconduct on the part of the judiciary.
“It is our firm belief that a strong and incorruptible
judiciary is crucial for the development and progress of our great nation. NEF,
alongside other concerned stakeholders, will continue to closely monitor the
conduct of the judiciary and advocate for its ethical revitalization to
safeguard the interests of all Nigerians,” he added.
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