Retired Judge Ibrahim Buba Accuses Politicians of Straining Nigerian Judiciary
Ibrahim Buba, a retired judge of the Federal High Court, has criticized Nigerian politicians for exerting excessive pressure on the judiciary to uphold democracy. Speaking at a conference in Abuja organized by the Tap Initiative with support from the Open Society, Justice Buba highlighted the challenges faced by the judiciary due to political interference.
Buba emphasized that while issues within the judiciary often draw public attention, the broader problems stemming from political practices and the political system are overlooked. He stressed the necessity for political leaders to adhere to constitutional principles outlined in party constitutions and the national constitution for societal advancement.
According to Buba, the judiciary is overburdened by politicians seeking to sustain democracy, with the public more inclined to scrutinize judicial actions rather than address fundamental issues within the political sphere. He lamented the impact of political conflicts and election disputes on the judiciary, urging politicians to prioritize developmental politics to alleviate resource wastage and avoid dragging the judiciary into contentious battles.
Expressing concern over attempts by unqualified politicians to influence judicial proceedings, Buba called for stringent selection criteria within the judiciary to uphold its integrity. He urged legal professionals to safeguard the judiciary from external pressures and ensure the appointment of individuals capable of challenging actions by other arms of government.
Martins Obono, Executive Director of Tap Initiative, outlined the conference's objective to delve into the issue of judicial accountability and explore strategies to enhance public trust in the judiciary. The conference aimed to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the judiciary and promote transparency within the legal system.
