Rethinking the Applicability of Judicial Precedents and the Sustainability of the Independence of the Judiciary in Nigeria (Published)
This paper examines the judicial powers of the courts and the jurisdiction of the courts as provided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. The paper also examines other relevant statutes to give an insight into the independence or otherwise of the Nigerian judiciary. It also highlights the doctrine of separation of powers and the rule of law as constitutional principles geared towards safeguarding the sanctity and independence of the judiciary. It further discusses the factors affecting the independence of the judiciary including judicial precedent as it affects the independence of the judiciary. It concludes that the observance of the rule of law and independence of the judiciary in ensuring the sanctity of the temple of justice is the bedrock of a democratic society.
Keywords: Independence, Judiciary, Jurisdiction, Sanctity, powers, temple of justice
Fighting Judicial Corruption in Nigeria (Published)
This paper examines the fight against judicial corruption in Nigeria. It analyses the arrest of judges and legal practitioners in respect of corrupt practices. It also re-echoes government effort at tackling judicial corruption through the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. It questions the powers of the Department of State Services in respect of investigation and arrest over corrupt practices. It further examines the sanctity of the judiciary in the effort at ridding the judiciary of corruption in Nigeria. The paper also makes comparison with some selected jurisdictions such as the United States of America and Ghana which provide some useful lessons for Nigeria. The paper concludes that there is the need for judicial officers and legal practitioners to shun corrupt practices because judicial corruption diminishes public confidence and interest in the judiciary.
Keywords: Arrest, Corruption, Judiciary, Prosecution, Punishment, Sanctity