Nigeria’s justice system needs urgent systemic reforms- Ariwoola
By Innocent Raphael
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has emphasized the urgency of addressing systemic issues undermining the integrity of the nation’s justice system.
The CJN who made the call at the National Summit on Justice held on Wednesday in Abuja, stated that the issues include corruption, inefficiency, and undue influence.
Ariwoola stressed the paramount importance of upholding the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, calling for comprehensive reforms to meet public expectations and modernize the sector.
He further highlighted the need for constitutional, statutory, and operational changes to enhance efficiency and uphold principles of fairness and human rights.
“Constitutional, statutory and operational reforms in the justice sector are imperative in meeting the aspirations and yearnings of the general public.
“We must critically examine our legal framework, identifying gaps and inconsistencies that hinder the efficient administration of justice.
“Moreover, we must be bold in our pursuit of legislative reforms that reflect the evolving needs of our society while upholding the principles of fairness, equality, and human rights,” he stated.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, in his remarks, urged the judiciary to align its activities with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on inclusivity, fairness, and anti-corruption efforts.
“Justice sector’s leaders and professionals need to find the right responses to the challenges we face through policy innovation, citizen-centred reform, systems change and legislative reform where necessary,” he stated in part.
Similarly, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), underscored the importance of reforming justice sector practices for economic transformation.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio in his speech, called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to address the misuse of ex parte orders, particularly in political cases. He proposed stringent oversight, clear standards, and severe sanctions for violators to curb abuses and maintain judicial integrity.
Constitutional lawyer Professor Auwal Yadudu in his contribution, attributed the abuse of ex parte orders to politicians and lawyers, urging the NJC to implement safeguards and address the issue within the broader context of justice system reforms.
The summit also featured insights from legal experts, including the Attorney-General of the Federation, a former Chief Justice of Kenya, and Senior Advocates of Nigeria, advocating for policy innovation and disciplinary measures to restore public confidence in the judiciary and ensure justice for all Nigerians.
