*Advocates for Legal Practice to be Governed by Morality and Conscience
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In a candid critique of Nigeria’s justice system, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Jibrin Okutepa, has expressed his concerns about the slow pace of justice and the perceived lack of fairness in the legal processes in the country.
Okutepa highlighted the impact of these issues on public perception and the overall well-being of the society.
Okutepa began by noting that the prolonged delay in delivering justice in Nigeria has eroded people’s faith in the efficacy and integrity of the judicial system. He argued that a justice system that fails to provide prompt and equitable outcomes for the majority of citizens cannot be considered truly just.
He further emphasized that unequal access to swift justice creates divisions within society and disrupts the peace.
He stressed that while Nigeria possesses legal frameworks designed to ensure fairness and timely justice, these laws are often applied unjustly and inhumanely, leaving the less privileged feeling deprived of justice.
Okutepa expressed deep concern over the uneven application of the criminal justice system, which he said disproportionately affects the poor and vulnerable. He criticized the system for being manipulated to serve as a tool for perverting justice, with cases of unjust application of laws becoming distressingly common.
The learned silk also pointed out the influence of political power on the judiciary, leading to the misuse of legal processes to maintain oppression. He argued that the political atmosphere has tainted the independence of the judiciary, turning laws into instruments of subjugation rather than protection.
Okutepa highlighted the plight of those detained for extended periods under the weight of serious charges, emphasizing the disregard for the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, a fundamental tenet of legal principles.
He called on fellow lawyers, especially those in government legal departments, to refrain from participating in framing false charges against innocent individuals for political gain. Okutepa emphasized that lawyers have a duty to uphold justice and should be guided by their consciences to ensure a fair legal system.
The SAN concluded by advocating for a legal practice rooted in morality and guided by conscience. He emphasized that laws should serve as instruments of justice rather than tools of manipulation. Okutepa urged his colleagues to work collectively to rescue Nigeria’s justice system from its current state and to prevent unethical practices from prevailing.
In the face of these challenges, Okutepa’s words highlight the importance of fostering a legal environment that safeguards justice for all and upholds the principles of fairness and equality before the law.
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