The Body of Benchers (BoB) has dismissed the recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which rated Nigeria’s judiciary as one of the most corrupt institutions in the country.
The BoB described the report as unjust, unverified, and contentious, urging stakeholders to disregard its findings.
The NBS report, released last month, drew data from various sources to arrive at its conclusion. However, BoB Chairman and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, speaking at a public event in Abuja attended by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, strongly refuted the claims.
Awomolo argued that the judiciary boasts some of the finest characters and legal minds in the nation, emphasizing that Nigerian judges and justices are invaluable assets whose integrity should remain untarnished. He called for collective efforts to uphold the judiciary’s image, stating that it is critical to a democratic society.
He urged judges to remain bold, courageous, and committed to delivering justice impartially, protecting citizens’ freedoms and rights. Awomolo also stressed the importance of introspection within the judiciary, advocating for a recommitment to its core values and constitutional responsibilities.
Highlighting the pivotal role of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court in ensuring constitutional stability since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Awomolo praised their contributions to the nation’s peace and progress.
He described the ongoing judicial conference’s theme, Judicial Introspection, as timely, urging all members of the judiciary to identify areas for improvement and adapt to evolving societal and technological trends.
Awomolo also referenced the CJN’s recent address at the opening of the 2024/2025 legal year, where she reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to advancing constitutional democracy and fulfilling its responsibilities with integrity.
He expressed confidence that the outcomes of the introspection process would strengthen the judiciary, enhance institutional regulation, and address stressors impacting justices.
The BoB chairman concluded by urging all stakeholders to prioritize empathy, improvement, and systemic changes that would reinforce the judiciary’s vital role in Nigeria’s democratic framework.
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