BY: MUHAMMAD NURA TSAFE, MINNA
The evaluation of any democracy as stable or unstable depends squarely on the ability of people at all levels to access equal Justice.
The Chairman Nigerian Bar Association NBA, Minna Branch Barrister Mohammed Waziri Abdulkadir stated this during Bar week in Minna, the Niger state capital.
He said the process of national development is multi-faceted with democracy occupying a central role, noting that democracy can either better the lot of the greater majority or serve the narrow interest of few individuals.
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Speaking at the opening ceremony of the annual law week of the Minna Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association held at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference centre in Minna Barrister Mohammed Wazir explained that peace, justice, and strong institutions form the foundation on which Nigeria can actualize its democratic goals.
According to the NBA Chairman, democracy transcends beyond the legitimacy of votes, “it is also about the rule of law, upholding the principles of justice and accountability” adding that the role of the Judiciary in promoting rule of law justice and accountability cannot be over emphasized.
The NBA Chairman expressed concern on the insinuation from some quarters that three groups of people determine our leaders in Nigeria which according to him, included the voters, the lawyers and the judges.
“While this may sound hilarious. It underscores the significance of an effective and independent Judicial system in the quest for good governance especially at this moment when our nation is bedeviled with increasing threats of Insecurity, Corruption and electoral malpractices” he pointed out.
The Bar week with the Theme: “Moving Forward: Harmonizing Judicial Independent And Public Confidence For Sustainable Democracy In Nigeria “said the theme is heard towards having a robust discussion around these salient issues with the view to charting a way forward as they concern democratic development and the administration of Justice.
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In his remarks, the governor of Niger State Umar Mohammed Bago observed that Judicial independence is not merely an abstract concept but a fundamental principle that safeguards the rights and freedoms of every Nigerian citizen
The governor who was represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Niger State Nasir Mua’azu explained that the Judicial independence provides an assurance that Justice will be suspended impartially, regardless of one’s social status, political affiliation,or economic power.
“A truly independent Judiciary acts as a check on the powers of the executive and legislative branches, maintaining the balance of power required for a functioning democracy” he noted.