Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has called on Nigeria’s newly appointed Chief Justice, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to prioritize ending what he described as “judicial rascality” in the country’s legal system. George made this appeal in a congratulatory letter to Kekere-Ekun following her confirmation by the Senate and swearing-in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In his letter titled “Time to End Judicial Rascality is Now,” George expressed concern over the declining integrity of the judiciary, especially with judgments over the past 25 years since Nigeria’s transition from military to civilian rule. He lamented that some rulings by judicial officers have become offensive to Nigerians both at home and abroad, warning that such issues could derail the nation’s democracy.
George specifically criticized the trend of conflicting rulings by courts of coordinate jurisdiction, noting instances where courts far removed from the political scene issue conflicting orders. He called on the new Chief Justice to convene a meeting of the National Judicial Council (NJC) to address the problem of inconsistent judgments from lower courts.
He also lamented the growing perception that some judges are influenced by political pressures, which has eroded public confidence in judicial rulings. George recalled the era between the 1950s and 1980s when Nigerian judges were respected for their impartiality, expressing hope that Kekere-Ekun would restore the judiciary’s credibility.
George further questioned the role of technicalities in undermining the electoral process, emphasizing that judges should not be the ultimate deciders of election outcomes, especially when millions of votes have been cast. He concluded by expressing confidence in Justice Kekere-Ekun’s ability to bring positive reforms, given her legal background and family heritage in the legal profession.
The PDP chieftain urged her to restore the judiciary to its “glorious years” and ensure that it upholds the will of the people, free from external influence and intimidation
