Former NBA Owerri Branch Chairman Lawrence Nwakaeti identified judicial corruption, inadequate funding, political interference, case backlogs, and flawed appointments as major obstacles to justice delivery in Nigeria.
Speaking on Monday at the NUJ Workstation opening in Owerri, Nwakaeti delivered a paper titled “Judiciary and the Role of the Media in Deepening Nigerian Democracy.” He stated that judicial independence is severely undermined, with courts deviating from established legal precedents.
Nwakaeti criticized the manipulation of the judiciary by other government branches, noting that the separation of powers is dysfunctional. He described democracy in Nigeria as weakened, with the rule of law and individual rights subject to the influence of a powerful minority.
He highlighted that judicial appointments have become influenced by nepotism and political favor, rather than merit. Nwakaeti urged the judiciary to assert its constitutional independence, improve efficiency, address corruption, and collaborate with stakeholders to restore its role as the common man’s last hope.
Nwakaeti called for a functional judiciary to check government abuses and manage political conflicts. He also encouraged journalists to continue reporting events to hold those in power accountable and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
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