In an in-depth interview with Vanguard Newspapers, Professor Yemi Akinseye George, SAN, a renowned Professor of Public Law and Executive Director of the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, shared his views on a range of issues concerning the Nigerian judiciary and anti-corruption agencies.
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Akinseye George expressed support for elevating the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to constitutional bodies, arguing that they are crucial for holding politicians accountable. He strongly opposed attempts to limit the jurisdiction of these agencies, describing such moves as unpatriotic and dishonest.
“Rather than weakening the anti-corruption agencies, we should strengthen them so that they can continue with at least the little they are doing. You can imagine if the EFCC and the ICPC were not there, they would have looted the economy completely and there would be no place for accountability,” Akinseye George said.
The legal expert also endorsed the idea of having more Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and scholars serve as judges to enrich the nation’s jurisprudence. He emphasized the need to diversify the pool from which judges are drawn, particularly at the Supreme Court level, to bring in intellectual perspectives and develop the substance of the law.
Akinseye George called on the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, to demonstrate zero tolerance for judicial rascality and enforce decisional accountability among judges. He suggested the creation of a “Roll of Dishonour” to name and shame judges and justices who deliberately refuse to follow judicial precedents.
“It is important that the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, should demonstrate zero tolerance for judicial rascality. She should also have a strategic plan. She should have a standing body that enforces decisional accountability from judges,” Akinseye George said.
He also stressed the importance of enforcing discipline not only on judges but also on lawyers who file frivolous cases or attempt to confuse the court. Akinseye George emphasized that heads of court must be accountable for the actions of judges under their jurisdiction.
The legal luminary outlined a three-point agenda for the new CJN, which includes developing a strategic plan, leveraging technology to expedite trials and reduce the backlog of cases, and ensuring the appointment of competent judges.
“The new CJN must declare a state of emergency about the backlogs of appeals at the Supreme Court. She should constitute a special panel and look for funding to help those special panels quickly reduce the backlog of appeals in the Supreme Court,” Akinseye George advised.
He also called for transparency in the appointment of judges to ensure that only the best people, in terms of character and integrity, are appointed to the bench.
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