Peter Obi, a member of the Labour Party, has strongly criticized the state of the Nigerian judiciary, asserting that the concept of “justice” has been commercialized, with verdicts often favoring the “highest bidder”.
Speaking at the fifth memorial of Justice Anthony Nnaemeka Aniagolu, held at the Godfrey Okoye University in Enugu, Obi emphasized the decline in the judicial system and lamented the pervasive corruption within it.
He called for the emulation of exemplary judges like Justice Aniagolu, highlighting qualities such as integrity, fairness, respect for the rule of law, transparency, humility, and the fair dispensation of justice.
This sentiment aligns with the views expressed by retired Justice Muhammad Dattijo during his valedictory speech in 2023.
Dattijo, in his scathing remarks, addressed the widespread disdain for the Nigerian judiciary, attributing it to the ease with which court officials and judges can be bribed to expedite cases or secure favorable outcomes.
Both Obi and Dattijo’s criticisms underscore the urgent need for reform within the Nigerian judicial system to uphold the principles of justice and restore public trust.
