The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria HURIWA has urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, to reconsider his stance towards public opinion as Nigerians are not mobsters.
HURIWA believes that unchecked corruption in the Judiciary could destroy democracy by leading to a revolution.
The group in a statement by its national coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, respectfully urged the CJN to separate jaundiced and politically sugar-coated emotive comments from rational opinions of well-meaning members of the public as Nigerians are not mobsters.
HURIWA requested that the CJN responds to allegations about All Progressives Congress’s influence on election-related cases before their lordships at the Supreme Court made by Yusuf Gagdi, a member representing Pankshin, Kanam, Kanke federal constituency of Plateau State in the House of Representatives.
The statement is damaging to the reputation of Nigeria’s Supreme Court and needs investigation because it gives an impression that judges can be purchased by highest bidders.
The right group maintained its position that constructive and factually accurate public opinions should matter for Nigeria’s judiciary since sovereignty belongs to Nigerians from whom government derives all its powers and authority according to section 14 (2)(a) provided under constitution law. Democracy is for people by people hence faulted CJN for generalizing Nigerian opinions as those belonging only to mobsters.
Instead, CJN should encourage mechanisms for fast-tracking effective whistle-blowing with view demonstrating willingness instill greater transparency and accountability in Nigerian courts.
following rulings on electoral disputes which led some governors, lawmakers being sacked due bias accusations against judges; speaking at opening special session 2023/24 legal year and swearing-in 58 newly conferred Senior Advocates Of Nigeria (SANs), Ariwoola asked judges remain firm while discharging judicial functions with humility, courtesy toward litigants, witnesses, members bar but without allowing emotions or sentiments sway them over logic, facts when deciding cases before them as law remains law no matter whose interest involved even if actions or loud voices coming crowd/mob trying confuse sentiment or something else decision-making process.
HURIWA finally urged the CJN to redeem the image of the Judiciary stating that ‘’If people lose faith in the judiciary, they may resort to self-help which can destabilize constitutional democracy.’’
