Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, has said there seems to be anarchy and rebellion in the judicial system that is supposed to be the temple of justice.
He said conflicting orders and judgements by courts of coordinate jurisdiction “as witnessed recently in Rivers and Kano State as well as the growing perceptions of miscarriage of justice over some judgements delivered by Elections Petitions Tribunals and appeal courts are rather unfortunate.”
He said the rulings and orders did not reflect the mandate of the people, leading to mass actions in some states.
Dantalle noted this at the first Inter-Party Advisory Council Roundtable on “The Role of the Judiciary in Nigeria’s Democratic Sustainability” held in Abuja on Thursday.
“The court is the Temple of Justice, its ministers are expected to be upright, men and women of integrity who will dispense justice no matter whose ox is gored. Priests in the temple of justice are expected to be God-fearing, courageous and fearless in the discharge of their constitutional duties, conscious of the fact that they sit in judgment over the affairs of fellow compatriots, acting on behalf of God who is the Judge of all. Like Caesar’s wife, they should live above board,” he said.
“The consequence of this development is the public lack of confidence in the administration of justice in Nigeria. It calls for urgent judicial reform to save the judiciary and restore its integrity and honour as the Temple of Justice and the last hope of all aggrieved people.
In his address, the IPAC boss said the Council is concerned by the developments in the polity with regards to the role of the Judiciary in the democratic process hence coming up with the roundtable discussion.
“The Council thought it was necessary to convene a roundtable discussion among relevant stakeholders to explore the judiciary’s role in consolidating democracy in Nigeria, identify challenges and propose solutions to enhance the judiciary’s effectiveness,” he added.
“Nigeria is the only country we have, join us in building a strong, virile, progressive, equitable and just democratic nation. It is our firm belief that the outcome of this exercise will meet the expectations of Nigerians.”
You’re expected to be upright – Yusuf Dantalle to Nigerian judges
