Fatshimetrie, the flagship show of XTV, recently addressed the issue of conflicting court orders in the Nigerian judiciary. Prominent lawyer, Mr. Liborous Oshoma, has been vocal in criticizing these conflicting judgments on several occasions in Rivers State, stressing that it is a major systemic problem.
At the heart of the debate is a crucial question: how do we end these jurisprudential divergences that undermine public confidence in the judiciary? According to Mr. Oshoma, the key lies in removing pre-election and post-election litigation from the courtroom. Indeed, Nigerian politicians have a devastating impact on the judiciary, turning everything they touch into chaos.
During her appearance before the Senate committee tasked with confirming her appointment as the new Chief Justice, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun had pledged to combat indiscipline in the judiciary. However, Mr Oshoma’s remarks raise doubts about the feasibility of this ambition in the face of the reality of persistent judicial confusion.
A close look at the history of conflicting judgments reveals a long tradition of conflicting decisions between different courts. This situation has been exacerbated over the years, highlighting the shortcomings of the judiciary and its vulnerability to political influence.
To resolve this crisis, it is imperative to strengthen the independence of the judiciary and eliminate political interference in judicial matters. Judges must be protected from any form of external pressure and be able to render impartial and fair decisions with full independence.
In conclusion, the resolution of judicial disputes in Nigeria requires a comprehensive reform of the judicial system, aimed at ensuring the independence of judges and preserving the integrity of the judiciary. The challenges are many, but with adequate measures and a firm commitment to the rule of law, it is possible to restore public confidence in the judicial system and ensure fair justice for all.