Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, has voiced his concerns over what he describes as an undeniable decline in Nigeria’s judiciary. Speaking at the 5th Memorial of Justice Anthony Nnaemeka Aniagolu at Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, Obi emphasized the importance of the rule of law as an intangible asset of any society.
During his keynote speech titled “The Role of the Judiciary in Shaping Nigeria’s Future,” Obi paid tribute to the late Justice Aniagolu for his unwavering integrity and commitment to upholding the rule of law during his tenure at the Supreme Court of Nigeria from 1978 to 1987. He urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from the exemplary service of Justice Aniagolu and other revered judges.
While acknowledging the existence of a few outstanding judges in Nigeria, Obi expressed deep concern over the overall state of the judiciary, citing an alarming trend of justice being compromised in favor of the highest bidder. He warned that such a decline in the judiciary poses a significant threat to the future of Nigeria, as it undermines the integrity of institutions and jeopardizes the protection of human rights.
Obi stressed the urgent need to revitalize the judicial system by safeguarding its independence and promoting values of character, competence, capability, compassion, and integrity among jurists and political leaders alike. He emphasized that prioritizing the pursuit of justice above all else is crucial for building a better Nigeria for all citizens.
Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, where Obi delivered his speech, is a private institution owned and managed by the Catholic Church.
