President Buhari who was represented by Vice
President Yemi Osinbajo at the 2015 All Nigeria
Judges’ Conference in Abuja, yesterday said he is
disturbed that allegations of judicial corruption
have become more frequent in the country.
He accused corrupt lawyers and judges
of blocking his efforts to recover stolen a$$ets.
He said:
“Further on point of negative perception, there
is both local and international dissatisfaction
with the long delays in the trial process. In the
past few years, this has become especially so
for high-profile cases of corruption, especially
where they involve serving or former political
office holders.
“As my lords are undoubtedly aware, corruption
transfers from public coffers to private
pockets, resources required to deliver social
and economic justice.
“Government’s attempts to recover such a$$ets
in accordance with the law are often faced with
dilatory tactics by lawyers sometimes with the
apparent collusion of judges.
“These tactics are often not directed at
reaching any conclusion or affirming innocence
or guilt, but at stalling trials indefinitely, thus
denying the state and the accused person the
opportunity of a judicial verdict. I wish to
echo the sentiments of the vast majority of
Nigerians in saying that we cannot afford to
continue on this path.”
He added that:
“Delay in judicial processes has cost our
economy dearly in terms of much needed
investment, as investors prefer other
jurisdictions where the progress of court cases
is such more predictable and in accordance with
the rule of law. Being able to reverse this trend
is largely dependent on the efficiency and
effectiveness of a justice system.
“Unfortunately, our justice system currently
has a reputation for delays, usually occasioned
by a combination of endless adjournments,
incessant interlocutory applications and
overwhelming caseloads. This situation is a huge
disincentive for businesses.
“It is not surprising, therefore, that Nigeria
ranks near bottom on the ease of doing business
index. We are currently ranked 143 out of 189
countries by the World Bank Group’s Enforcing
Contracts Indicator.
“Delays in the trial process have damaged the
international reputation of the Nigerian
Judiciary, even amongst its international peers.
“In pursuing its internal reforms, and without
prejudice to the recognition that should be
given to the disposal of high profile cases, the
Judiciary must always remember that one of its
key roles is the promotion of equity and social
justice, all persons are equal under the law.
“Judicial reforms must take into consideration
the need to clean up the systems and processes
in our magistrate and district courts and all
other lower courts across the country which
handle matters involving th e poor and the less-
privileged.
“Together with the Police stations, these courts
constitute the only interface between the less-
privileged and the Justice system. Our justice
sector reforms must, therefore, seek to
position and portray these court as humane and
efficient.
“I have to admit that reforming the current
system must extend beyond the judiciary and
necessarily include reviewing laws, institutions,
processes and procedures that inhibit speedy
justice delivery. We must also re-orientate and
improve the attitude of legal practitioners and
the legal profession in general.
“Judges must not be weak or appear to be weak
in sanctioning lawyers and litigants who
deliberately stall and frustrate the judicial
process.
“I have consistently declared that this
administration is committed to the rule of law
and that no one will be related above the law of
the land. As the rich and powerful claim legal
rights before the courts, we must remember that
the poor also deserve social and economic
justice.
“This is why our government is determined to
fulfil key planks of our campaign promises, as
they relate to the provision of social welfare
programs in aid of the poor.”
Vanguard
