*Warns Nigeria’s Direction Uncertain As Governance, Judiciary Falter
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Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Okutepa, has expressed deep concerns over the state of governance, the judiciary, and political decisions in Nigeria, questioning the direction in which the country is headed.
In a strongly worded statement, Okutepa lamented what he described as a systemic failure in governance, judicial adjudications, and political decision-making, emphasizing that Nigeria appears to be moving in an undefined and troubling direction. He noted that institutions responsible for upholding justice and accountability are failing in their duties, allowing wrongdoers to escape consequences.
Okutepa criticized the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, for decisions that he believes have eroded public confidence. He questioned whether the Supreme Court still functions as a court of policy and law or has become a court of politics, citing unpredictable judgments in politically sensitive cases. He stated that lawyers now find it difficult to predict legal outcomes in politically exposed litigations due to inconsistencies in judicial pronouncements.
He expressed dismay over recent Supreme Court rulings, especially in the Rivers State political crisis, which he argued appeared to favor partisan interests rather than uphold justice. He referenced the case of lawmakers who publicly defected from their political party but were still granted the right to resume legislative duties, despite clear constitutional provisions against such actions. He pointed out that these lawmakers swore affidavits in court affirming their defection, held public decamping ceremonies, and attended political meetings of their new party—actions widely documented in the media and on the internet. Despite these clear violations, they were allowed to continue in office, raising serious concerns about the judiciary’s role in upholding the rule of law.
Furthermore, Okutepa raised concerns over the Supreme Court’s order barring the allocation of funds to Rivers State from the Federation Account until an appropriation law is passed. He warned that such a ruling could have severe economic consequences for the state and its people, including the lawmakers themselves, who would also be affected by the lack of funding. He argued that this order, if not reviewed, would not only cripple the state government but also affect governance and the livelihood of residents.
Okutepa asserted that the Supreme Court, as a court of policy and law, must deliver judgments that serve the public good rather than embolden lawlessness and undermine democracy. He emphasized that the court must protect and uphold the Constitution by holding political actors accountable to their oaths of office. He warned against setting legal principles that are impossible to fulfill, even with the best legal advocacy.
He further noted that when Supreme Court decisions appear to serve partisan political interests, it is natural for Nigerians to question its impartiality. The perception that recent rulings in the Rivers State crisis were politically motivated, rather than based on sound legal principles, cannot be ignored, he said.
Okutepa concluded by urging the judiciary to restore public trust by ensuring that its decisions reflect fairness, justice, and adherence to constitutional principles rather than partisan considerations. He called for judicial pronouncements that set clear guidelines for political actors to act responsibly, rather than rulings that embolden lawbreakers while suppressing lawful authority.
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