Retiring Justice Muhammad Dattijo had a critical message for his colleagues as he left the Supreme Court of Nigeria on his retirement day, October 27th, at the age of 70. Dattijo expressed deep concerns about the state of Nigeria’s highest court, stating that it has been tainted by corruption and a distortion of justice due to the lack of a clear understanding among some court members regarding their duty to deliver justice to the Nigerian people.
He voiced his concerns during a farewell ceremony held in Abuja on Friday, where he pointed out the deteriorating public perception of the judiciary, with allegations of court officials and judges being easily influenced by litigants for the purpose of expediting proceedings or securing favorable judgments.
Justice Dattijo highlighted that his concerns were not isolated, referencing similar remarks made by a former justice of the Court of Appeal, Oludotun Adefope-Okojie, who retired in May 2023 at the age of 70. Mrs. Adefope-Okojie, during her retirement, had expressed her frustration with the failure of top-level justices in the Nigerian judiciary to address corruption issues, even as public discontent continued to grow.
Dattijo quoted Adefope-Okojie’s questions regarding whether the judiciary should need to be persuaded to act justly and fairly, emphasizing the importance of administering justice without fear or favor. He lamented the vilification of the Apex Court and called it a “voter gaggle of useless, purchasable judicial bandits.” Dattijo called for a thorough reevaluation and a significant reset in the judicial system, given the loss of public confidence.
These statements come amid heightened criticism of the Supreme Court’s decision to allow President Bola Tinubu to remain in office despite allegations of presenting a forged academic document to the Independent National Electoral Commission, which contravenes Section 137 (1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution.
Dattijo’s remarks shed light on the challenges within the Nigerian judiciary and underscore the need for reform and transparency.
Source (PeopleGazatte)
