From Ijeoma John,Nnewi
Chief Oseloka Godwin Osuigwe (Dikenamuta Nnewi) a Senior Advocate of Nigeria has condemned the impression of the general public that judiciary system is corrupt and there is no hope for the common man in Nigeria.
He made this known while speaking with some journalists in his office on Saturday, 14th of December, 2024 at Okpuno -Egbu, Umudim, Nnewi.
Osuigwe revealed 95% of cases involving common man who lacked the means to influence the outcome of justice, he added that justice in most of these cases were dispensed without fear or favour.
He did not deny the fact that few judges were not perfect adding that they could make genuine mistakes sometimes.
Osuigwe assured the Nigerians that”there is a higher court, where one can take his matter to if he was not satisfied with the judgment”He said Appeal Court remained where those mistakes would be corrected.
He said Judges were Ministers in the temple of Justice that would always protect the interest of the society in the court adding that Rule of law would not exist without a functional Judicial system.
“It’s true that the rotten eggs are few but the damages they are causing seem overwhelming. They seem to supersede the effort of the men of integrity, honor and impartiality,” he added.
He noted most of lawyers could attest that some judges remained incorruptible that one could get justice in their court.”
I do not subscribe to judiciary system been completely destroyed or is so rotten that the institution would not protect the interest of Nigerians.
“I am not saying that all the judgments are true ,there are few ones where there are manipulations of the system but these are few cases involving highly politically exposed persons or issues of National interest that is why we hear the news but you won’t hear or see common man cases especially land dispute between two individuals of the same community where justice is given. Nobody will publish it, you won’t hear about it, that is why you won’t know that justice is being served” he stressed.
Osuigwe said that social media fed the public with all manner of information which he advised Nigerians to carefully go through the judgments but accusing the judges.
Speaking on appointment of judges, SAN said there must be an empirical means of determining the suitability of the lawyers for the appointment adding that judiciary should appoint lawyers with integrity.
He frowned on the pronouncement of Nigeria Bar Association that Executive would no longer appoint judges. He said the Independent of the Judicial has become family affairs where anybody could be appointed a judge without proper background check.
He urged the public not to personalize Government adding that Federal Government building houses for the judges was never a favor or bribe but according to him was a necessity for the performance of their duties.
He revealed during Colonial Era, the Colonial Masters were housing the judges, civil servants adding that those facilities provided helped them to perform their duties effectively.
“We shouldn’t call it bribe because they are not personal gifts from President Tinubu to a particular judge” he added.