Reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, and Professor Konyinsola Ajayi, Chaplain of Emmanuel Chapel Methodist Church, engaged in a critical analysis of the deterioration of the judiciary in Nigeria, labeling it as the second most significant source of corruption within the nation. Sanusi expressed concern that while the complexities of the Nigerian judicial role are exacerbated by political dysfunction, those judges who render poor judgments will ultimately be held accountable for their actions.
Ajayi contributed to the discussion by asserting that, contrary to its intended purpose, the law has become a major source of uncertainty in Nigeria, rather than providing the clarity it should. Their remarks were made during a ‘Public Discourse on Ethics, Morality and the Law’ held in Lagos, organized by the Movement for Islamic Culture and Awareness (MICA) to celebrate Justice Adewale Abiru’s ascension to the Supreme Court.
The event was attended by notable figures, including Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; former Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola; Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services) of the University of Lagos, Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa; Dr. Wale Babalakin; and Professor of Political Science, Adele Jinadu.
In his speech, Sanusi characterized the judiciary as a large family with many commendable members, emphasizing that the few who act poorly should be held accountable for tarnishing the profession’s reputation. He stated, “In every profession, similar to a large family, there are many virtuous members, but it only takes one or two misbehaving individuals to damage the entire family’s standing. Much of the negative perception surrounding the judiciary is tied to a very small fraction of judges. I have encountered numerous judges personally and can assert that I have not met a bad judge. However, the reality is that there is a significant challenge ahead. Ultimately, we must all strive to restore the judiciary’s reputation. If there are any bad judges, they must be removed. We need to ensure that the number of ineffective judges is reduced to zero.”
The monarch, who implored judges to refrain from advocating for wrongdoers, earnestly requested those who manipulate judgments for personal gain to cease their actions. He stated, “I wish to emphasize this: as judges, do not support those who are in the wrong or those who deceive themselves. Seek forgiveness from God, for He is merciful. Do not stand as advocates for wrongdoers, as Allah does not favor those who commit sins.
To my brother, Justice Abiru, and to all our colleagues in the judiciary, if you remember only one verse from the Quran, let it be this: ‘Wherever you are, be advocates for justice in this world. Who will advocate for them on the Day of Judgment before Allah? Who will assist them?’
“When your peers approach you, when the government seeks your counsel, or when relatives present their cases, and you listen to them, it may seem acceptable to sway justice in their favor. However, reflect on where they will be when you stand before Allah to justify that judgment. You are the ultimate judge, the Supreme Court. Once a ruling is made by the Supreme Court, no judgment other than God’s can alter it. There will come a day when God will inquire, who will advocate for you on that day? Who will serve as your lawyer? Who will be your senior advocate in front of Allah when He questions you about why you ruled contrary to the truth you knew? If you do not recall any verse from the Quran, I urge you to always keep this in mind. Write it on your desk every day.”
Ajayi, during his lecture entitled “Ethics, Morality and the Law – A Christian Perspective,” criticized the prevalence of contradictory rulings in Nigeria, asserting that this reflects the judiciary’s lack of reliability. He remarked, “The judiciary ranks as the second most corrupt institution in the country, a claim supported by data from the United Nations. While the law is intended to provide certainty, it currently fosters significant uncertainty, as evidenced by conflicting court decisions regarding elections in Rivers State.”
He noted that the Nigerian judiciary was once highly esteemed, with courts in Australia, New Zealand, and across the Commonwealth often referencing Nigerian legal rulings. “The judgments from the 1950s and 1960s set precedents for some of the world’s most respected legal systems,” he added.
Ajayi urged listeners to reflect on the impact of current judgments, suggesting that many believe genuine judicial integrity could lead to transformative change in Nigeria. He cautioned against the notion that societal upheaval is necessary, stating, “No significant change will occur unless the judiciary itself undergoes reform.”
He emphasized the importance of ensuring that judicial decisions do not destabilize society, advocating for a focus on justice that benefits the community. In conclusion, he urged judges to recognize their unique role, both in the eyes of God and within the framework of the Constitution.
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