Former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has urged for a complete reform of Nigeria’s judicial system, cautioning that failure to take action could result in the collapse of the institution.
In an open letter to the newly appointed Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Chief Edwin Clark urged her to use her tenure to tackle the increasing concerns about corruption and dysfunction within the judiciary and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Clark, a 97-year-old elder statesman and a member of the NBA since 1966, expressed optimism that Justice Kekere-Ekun’s leadership would usher in the much-needed reforms. He regretted that previous efforts to reform the judiciary, including initiatives by former CJN Justice Dahiru Musdapher, had been left incomplete.
“It has become imperative for you to reorganize the Supreme Court and its associate bodies to restore the past glory of the judiciary,” Clark wrote, praising Justice Kekere-Ekun’s commitment, dedication, and loyalty to the country.
Clark reflected on his upbringing during a time when the judiciary was regarded as a pillar of integrity, a profession considered “next to God.” However, he condemned the current state of the judiciary, pointing to corruption scandals, excessive political interference, and the mistreatment of former CJN Justice Walter Onoghen as signs of its deterioration.
He pointed to numerous troubling developments, including allegations that politicians have influenced judicial decisions, and urged the new CJN to address these issues swiftly to restore public trust in the system.
“My Lord, we the people of Nigeria feel that our country will fail as a nation if it is not restructured, but it will also fail if the judiciary is not reformed,” he concluded, expressing hope that Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for Nigeria’s judicial arm.
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