THE DANGER OF UNDERMINING THE JUDICIARY
: A CALL FOR OBJECTIVE REFLECTION ON NIGERIAN POLITICS
BY P MICHAEL.
In recent times, there has been a growing trend within certain opposition factions in Nigeria to disparage and undermine the country's judiciary. Leading political figures, including Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) and Atiku Abubakar of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), along with their supporters, have repeatedly attempted to discredit judicial decisions, painting the judiciary as biased or corrupt when outcomes do not align with their political interests. This ongoing narrative is a concerning development for the health of Nigeria’s democracy and the very principles of justice.
The Judiciary's Role in Upholding Justice
The judiciary in any democratic nation is essential in safeguarding the rule of law and ensuring that disputes are settled fairly. In Nigeria, the judiciary has played a crucial role in the country’s democratic development. For instance, the same judiciary that ruled Peter Obi lost the 2023 presidential election also ruled that he won the Anambra governorship election in 2008. Similarly, the judiciary that upheld Atiku Abubakar's position as vice president also affirmed his loss in the 2023 presidential election. These rulings highlight the judiciary’s capacity to make decisions that are sometimes inconvenient for powerful political figures but necessary for the protection of democratic values.
It is important to note that the judiciary’s decisions are not meant to serve the interests of any individual or political party but to ensure the integrity of the democratic process. In a functioning democracy, every institution, including the judiciary, must be respected. When political leaders seek to undermine this independence, they put the very fabric of democracy at risk.
The Selective Criticism of the Judiciary
It is troubling that certain individuals, when faced with unfavorable decisions, accuse the judiciary of bias, yet they selectively praise the same institution when it delivers outcomes that favor their political positions. This contradictory stance is not only damaging to the credibility of the judiciary but also undermines public trust in the justice system.
For example, in the case of state governorship elections, the judiciary has upheld the victories of governors from different political parties, whether from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or opposition parties like the PDP, LP, and NNPP. The same judiciary that affirmed the APC’s presidential win in 2023 also ruled in favor of PDP victories in previous years, demonstrating consistency and impartiality. However, when a court ruling does not align with their interests, figures like Obi and Atiku quickly resort to discrediting the judiciary, ignoring the principle of respect for judicial authority.
The judiciary's ability to affirm different political outcomes, regardless of party affiliation, is a testament to its impartiality and commitment to fairness. This impartiality is one of the key reasons why political leaders should refrain from targeting the judiciary when faced with adverse outcomes.
The Threat to Democratic Stability
When political leaders begin to see the judiciary as an enemy to their political goals, it poses a real danger to the stability of the democracy. The rule of law, a cornerstone of democracy, becomes jeopardized when the judiciary is weakened or silenced. Leaders who refuse to accept legal rulings create an environment where the law can be manipulated to serve their own purposes. If the judiciary is undermined, it paves the way for autocracy, as those in power would be able to sidestep any legal constraints.
Furthermore, the public trust in the justice system is critical to a society’s functioning. If citizens lose faith in the courts' ability to deliver impartial justice, the consequences can be catastrophic. Trust in the rule of law ensures that disputes can be settled peacefully and fairly, rather than through chaos or violence. The attacks on the judiciary are therefore not merely attacks on individual rulings but on the very foundation of Nigeria's democratic order.
A Call for Reflection and Responsibility
It is essential that Nigerians reflect on the implications of allowing figures who consistently attack and delegitimize the judiciary to come to power. Political leaders who cannot accept court rulings are not only undermining the legal system but are also setting dangerous precedents for the future of
