A recent report by Anvarie Tech, ResearcherNG and Bincika Insights, said while 71 per cent of Nigerians lack trust in the judiciary, and 65 per cent lack trust in anti-corruption agencies, about 40 per cent do not believe elections are free and fair.
The report, which is a product of a survey with 1,861 respondents across the six geopolitical zones between November 15 and December 10, last year, to understand citizens’ perceptions of freedom of expression and trust in public institutions, was funded by the Washington DC-based National Endowment for Democracy.
The report, which was duly signed by the Senior Programme Manager of Anvarie Tech, Farida Adamu, will serve as a resource tool for civil society groups advocating for freedom of expression, including the repealing of policies and practices that punish free speech and endanger human rights.
“Citizens’ perceptions on access to justice indicate a lack of trust in the judicial system as 71.2 per cent of respondents disagree that the judicial system is fair and treats everyone equally while only 28.8 per cent agree that the judicial system is fair. Access to justice must be seen as impartial and objective by guaranteeing that individuals and groups will have access to justice in the country and consequently enhance the protection of rights enshrined in the Constitution.
“About 65.2 per cent, a majority of respondents disagree that the government institutions established to tackle corruption are independent and effective, while 34.8 per cent agree that government institutions are independent and effective.
“Major cities in Nigeria, including Lagos and Abuja, following the #EndSARS protests in October 2020, banned all forms of “street demonstrations, protests, and processions.”
However, 59 per cent of respondents agree that citizens have the freedom to participate in demonstrations, while 41 per cent of the respondents who participated in the survey disagreed.
“The survey sought to establish whether or not respondents were confident in the electoral process. 60.2 per cent agree that citizens can choose government leaders in free and fair elections, while 39.8 per cent disagree. The decline in trust for the government that was witnessed immediately after the 2007 general election in Nigeria, led voters and the majority of Nigerians to demand electoral reform.”