*Says Judiciary Should Manage Own Budget, Rejects Executive “Benevolence”

President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has strongly condemned the practice of state governors or government officials publicly donating vehicles, housing, or other facilities to the judiciary, labeling it unconstitutional and demeaning.

Speaking on News Central TV yesterday, Osigwe criticized the recent actions of the FCT Minister, who reportedly donated housing facilities to judicial officers, suggesting such gestures compromise the independence and dignity of the judiciary.

“In any situation where a governor gathers judges or brings a chief judge or any person whatsoever to display to the public that he’s giving them cars as if he’s doing them a favor…it is condemnable,” Osigwe stated. “It is unconstitutional, it is demeaning, and it takes away from the independence of the judiciary.”

The NBA President argued that judicial needs, such as vehicles, courtrooms, or housing, should be included in the judiciary’s budget and managed independently. According to him, the executive branch has no business directly providing these items, as it undermines the judiciary’s autonomy.

“No member of the executive should do that for the judiciary,” Osigwe emphasized. “The judiciary should be able to manage its budget and acquire what it needs without being subjected to these public displays that diminish its independence.”

Osigwe also called on the judiciary to reject such acts of “benevolence,” stating that they should not tolerate practices that could have ulterior motives, whether or not such motives are apparent.

“The executive cannot go to the legislature or judiciary seeking gifts. If judicial needs are budgeted items, they should be handled within the framework of judicial independence. Anything outside of this demeans the institution,” Osigwe remarked.

He called for an end to the mindset of the executive being seen as a “big brother” to the judiciary in determining what they get. Osigwe maintained that budgetary allocations for the judiciary should go through the proper channels and not be shared out by governors like gifts, calling it “humiliating” and saying it “takes away from their independence.”

The NBA President urged for a frank national conversation to address this issue and uphold the independence and dignity of the judicial branch of government.

______________________________________________________________________ Revolutionizing Civil Litigation: Comprehensive 3-Volume Series Now Available A new serial publication with broad title "Civil Litigation Serial" has launched to provide concise resource guide for civil litigation practitioners. The first volumes are now available for purchase through a network of independent booksellers across Nigeria. Call 07051822705 ______________________________________________________________________

Nominations Open For Legal Leaders Awards 2025, Celebrating Excellence In Istanbul ______________________________________________________________________

[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.
Available now for NGN 35,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation _________________________________________________________________