The former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olisa Agbakoba expressed strong criticism for the present state of the Supreme Court, deeming it the “worst” he has witnessed in his 45-year legal career.
Addressing an audience at an event commemorating Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s 61st birthday, attended by notable political figures including President Bola Tinubu and members of the National Assembly, Agbakoba shared his experience of applying for a position on the Supreme Court bench.
He disclosed facing rejection and attributed it to what he referred to as a “mafia” faction within the National Judicial Council (NJC).
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) voiced his discontent, urging immediate reforms in the country’s judicial system. He specifically called upon the National Assembly to take decisive legislative action, emphasizing the need for clear distinctions between the areas of the administration of justice and judicial administration.
Agbakoba stressed the importance of enacting specific laws governing the appointment process for senior judges.
In his statement, Agbakoba highlighted the existing ambiguity, stating, “We still mix the administration of justice, which the National Assembly cannot interfere with, with judicial administration, which the National Assembly can make laws.”
He urged the National Assembly to pass legislation outlining the criteria for becoming a judge, asserting that the current reliance on the Chief Justice of Nigeria should be replaced by a clear legal framework.
“There should be a law governing the appointment process of senior judges. We can’t leave it to the National Judicial Council. What the constitution says is that once you are 15 years, you are qualified.
“But the National Judicial Council and Supreme Court judges have formed a mafia, and we don’t get there.
“With the greatest respect, this is the worst Supreme Court I have seen in my 45 years of practice.
“It has to change. A challenge for the National Assembly to enact a law that deals with judicial administration.
“I did not say administration of justice; you can’t go there because that is the internal workings of the judiciary, but judicial administration, the national assembly can make laws.
“You pass a law so that I don’t depend on the Chief Justice of Nigeria if I want to be a judge; the law will be passed stating the criteria to become a judge,” he said.
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