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…asks CJN to implement reforms to restore public confidence
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Constitutional and Human Right Lawyer, Ikenna Ahumibe, has submitted a petition to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), demanding action(s) on alleged growing practice of “cash for justice” in the judiciary circle in Nigeria.
Ahumibe, in the petition asked the CJN to initiate some reforms that would strengthen the judicial system, ensuring that justice is served to all irrespective of social, political, religious, economic status, and other differences.
He notified the CJN that Nigerians are, increasingly, loosing confidence in the judicial system, thus appealing to the CJN to rise to the occasion by pushing for reforms that would restore and also strengthen the confidence of Nigerians on the judiciary.
He further noted Nigeria stands at a defining democratic crossroads. Hence, the Judiciary must rise to the occasion by reinforcing discipline, accelerating justice delivery and protecting its Institutional integrity.
“One of the greatest concerns confronting litigants across the country is the persistent delay in the dispensation of justice. Prolonged adjournments and procedural bottlenecks not only undermine democratic stability but also create fertile ground for suspicion and public distrust.
“Sadly, the political actors have increasingly resorted to the refrain ‘go to court’ with the apparent confidence that the judicial process can be manipulated to procure a favourable judgment through unlawful inducement and corrupt interference with the judicial process.”
He urged the CJN to act decisively, ensuring that the 2027 election season strengthens rather than diminishes the moral authority of the courts. “Nigerians deserve a judiciary that is impartial, efficient, incorruptible and worthy of public trust.
“As the nation advances towards a decisive electoral season, the responsibility of the courts in preserving and protecting democratic governance has assumed unprecedented significance. This moment demands firm leadership, visible accountability and decisive Institutional action.”
Ahumibe also noted disturbing allegations that some judicial officers view election season as opportunities for personal enrichment, asking for proactive and strategic oversight measures to subject any Judge who compromises the integrity of the Bench through bribery or unethical conduct to disciplinary proceedings and prosecution.
He asked that the National Judicial Council (NJC) intensify monitoring mechanisms, and ensure that any proven misconduct attracts swift and transparent sanctions, stressing that the credibility of the judiciary must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.
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He also drew the attention of the CJN to reports of missing case files at the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt. “The disappearance of court records strikes at the very heart of justice delivery, and raises serious questions about administrative accountability. It is unacceptable that such incidents occur without visible investigation or corrective action.”
He, therefore, demanded a thorough probe into the missing files, and the implementation of safeguards that could include digital archiving and enhanced registry supervision to prevent recurrence.
