5 things that marred judicial performance in 2016 - Femi Falana

Renowned human rights lawyer and activist Femi Falana has listed challenges faced by Nigeria’s judicial system in 2016.

In an interview with Punch, Falana, a senior advocate of Nigeria said, these challenges could have induced corruption among judges in the past year.

Nigerian lawyer Femi Falana condemned corrupt practices by judicial officers

He however condemned all judicial officers who have been involved in one corrupt practice or the other stating that no condition is worth blaming for their actions.

Beloe are the five conditions listed by Falana:

1. Poor working condition

Falana said: “In view of the diminishing value of the national currency and rising cost of living, the Nigerian Bar Association should make a strong case for improved working conditions for our judges in 2017.”

2. Congestion of Nigerian courts

The activist said more judges should be appointed to de-congest the courts while the courts should adopt case management and embrace alternative dispute resolution.

3. Corrupt practices among judicial officers

He said that the ongoing purge of the judiciary should be fully supported by the National Judicial Council and the Nigerian Bar Association. In particular, a panel of the NJC should embark on a nationwide investigation of corrupt judges.

4. Inadequate funding

Falana said the body of attorneys general owes the legal profession and the nation a duty to ensure compliance with the terms of the judgments of the Federal High Court which have upheld financial autonomy for the judiciary as provided for in the constitution.

5. Disobedience to court orders

"Other court orders being disobeyed should be forwarded to the AGs. Any AG who cannot ensure compliance with court orders should be asked to resign or sanctioned by the profession," he said.