Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State noted on Friday that the country was currently adrift and endangered, but could only be saved by an independent Judiciary.
Wike claimed that the Federal Government has not only failed in its basic responsibilities of safeguarding security and citizens’ socio-economic well-being, it has also created an atmosphere of haplessness across the land
He said the judiciary remains the only hope of retrieving the country, but noted that the third arm of government must be effectively strengthened for it to play such a crucial role.
Wike spoke in Abuja on Friday at the launch of a book, titled: “Legal Paradigm in Nigeria: A new direction in the study of law and practice,” which is a compilation of selected leading judgments by Justice Abdu Aboki, who retired from the Supreme Court on August 5 this year.
The well-attended event, put together by a group of senior lawyers, including Professor Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN) and Ahmed Raji (SAN) had in attendance a number of past and serving Justices of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, and politicians including Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State.
Wike, who launched the book with N100million, warned that the nation’s democracy was at risk should the judiciary succumb to intimidation and harassment by anti-democratic forces.
He said: “These are very bad times for our country. With extreme insecurity, a collapsing economy, massive corruption as well as political uncertainty, with democracy and the rule of law under constant threat.
“Without any doubt, life is becoming too unbearable for the majority of the citizens, just as the signs of a failing or failed state are too glaring to be ignored.
“The Federal Government continues to undermine the rule of law, while political parties and party leaders continue to exhibit utter arrogance and disdain for the electoral laws and the democratic process in their actions and conduct.
“With cries of injustice, discrimination and inequity everywhere, and with the rising instability and deterioration of law and order, only the undiscerning will believe that Nigeria is not headed for the hard rocks.
“We must be frank with ourselves. The Federal Government has failed in its basic duties to secure the country and advance the socio-economic wellbeing of all citizens, which is the reason for the heightened sense of frustration, conflicts and violence, threatening to tear this country apart.
“As the general elections approach, as everything about Nigeria continues to wobble and tumble, Nigerians are becoming more and more apprehensive about the success of the general election and the survival of our democracy beyond 2023.
“However, we must neither lose hope nor give up on Nigeria, because as bad as things are, we can still trust the nation’s Judiciary to save our country by guaranteeing justice, equity and equality to every citizen.
“Never the less, this is possible only when the Judiciary is able to assert itself, without fear or favour, upholding the truth at all times and standing up to any other power or principality that attempt to undermine or override its constitutional responsibilities, powers and processes.
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“Justice could be delayed, which is not acceptable. But, it must never be refused or denied for the Judiciary to serve as an effective watchdog of our democracy and thwart the evil intention of the enemies of the people.
“For me, it is given that Nigeria and our democracy would survive if only our judicial system is strong and alive. But, the Judiciary dies if public confidence is lost. its ability to defend the rule of law and dispense free and equal justice to all.
“The Judiciary dies where it lies comatose and removed from the aspirations of the citizens for good governance and the rule of law, the protection of fundamental rights and the guarantee of free and fair elections.
“The judiciary dies when it can easily be manipulated and intimidated; when injustice is rendered in place of justice to an aggrieved party and when resort to self-help and other means of redress outside the law becomes the preferred norm by citizens.
“All said and done, an effective and efficient Judiciary in justice delivery is imperative for defending democracy, sustaining the rule of law, protecting fundamental human rights and advancing economic development.
“Let us therefore continue to call on the Federal Government to strengthen our judicial system by resolving the challenges militating against judicial effectiveness as I have done in Rivers State, where we have continued to prioritise the independence of the Judiciary and improved the working and living conditions of our judges beyond measure,” Wike said.
He hailed Justice Aboki’s commitment to protection of justice and rule of law, noting that “Justice Aboki is a consummate jurist who has left his name indelibly in the sands of time and judicial history.
‘While judges are of different social, economic and political persuasion, Honourable Justice Abdu Aboki prides himself among the progressive rank that stands up to what is right and just, and believes that the law and the Constitution, as interpreted and enforced by the court must both protect and advance the unity and wellbeing of the nation and her citizens.”
Governor Bello commended Justice Aboki for his immense guidance to him and his government in Kogi State and prayed God to continue to preserve his life.
Bello noted that although it may seem the country was currently troubled, “no democracy can be perfected as we have it today in the US without encountering challenges.
“We are passing through our own challenges at this moment and we plead with all the leaders and elders of this country to teach us well and speak well of this country however it is because Mr. President is doing his best to ensure that this country is guided aright. No leader will ever want his own regime/reign to be characterised with crisis,” Bello said.
Justice Aboki said he felt elated that he was able to retire in good health and being honoured as well.
He urged the government to promptly appoint replacement for those who have left the apex court’s Bench, noting that those left behind would now be overburdened with his exit and that of those before him.
Justice Aboki advocated reforms, particularly the amendment of the Constitution to reduce the number of cases filed at the Supreme Court.
He said certain interlocutory applications should not be countenanced by the apex court, while other political cases, except that if the presidential election should terminate at the court below.