Nigerian judiciary can only produce a good judge by sheer luck – ex-NBA president

Olumide Akpata, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has said Nigerian judiciary can only produce a good judge by sheer luck. Akpata stated at the International Bar Association (IBA) conference in Paris, France. Speaking at the conference, the former NBA president said Nigeria is afflicted by “judiciary capture.” In two short videos […]

Olumide Akpata, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has said Nigerian judiciary can only produce a good judge by sheer luck.

Akpata stated at the International Bar Association (IBA) conference in Paris, France.

Speaking at the conference, the former NBA president said Nigeria is afflicted by “judiciary capture.”

In two short videos posted on X (formerly Twitter), Akpata lamented how Nigeria’s political class is emasculating the judicial system.

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He said, “For a good judge to emerge out of that process is by fluke only; sheer luck with judicial appointment in Nigeria. It is ridiculous.

“While I was president of the NBA, what I found out was that there is a deliberate attempt on the part of the political class in Nigeria to capture the judiciary. And that has very insidious consequences for rule of law in Nigeria. It is deliberate and it is intentional. And it is achieving results for them. Because the kind of people who show up as judges have no business being there.”

The recruitment process of judges in Nigeria has been controversial with many lawyers calling for reforms.

He said there were several retired and serving justices including politicians whose children and spouses currently serve as judicial officers across various courts in the court, saying public confidence in judiciary eroded

He accused politicians, especially governors, of pauperising judges by denying them their basic entitlements like official cars and accommodation.