BREAKING: Nigeria needs strong, virile, independent judiciary – Ozekhome

To remain the final arbiter of electoral outcomes, the judiciary must remain acutely aware of its influence on preserving the integrity of democracy over election matters and must remain strong, virile and independent.

This was the contention of a legal luminary, Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN, who stated this over the weekend at the Gregory University, Uturu, as the 9th convocation lecturer.

Speaking on the topic, ‘The Judiciary as the Final Arbiter of Electoral Outcomes: Aberrations and Judgements without Justice,’ Ozekhome stated, “In the intricate operation of democracy, the tripartite structure of government – legislature, executive, and judiciary – forms the bedrock of governance.”

He averred, “We need to have a strong, virile and independent judiciary that is not subject to any external interference or manipulation, whether by the executive, or the legislature.

“I made it clear that the judiciary remains the picture of democracy and the sentinel of the doorstep and guardian of the fundamental right of the people and the rule of law. On no account must any judge be found incriminated in corruption, no matter the temptation.

“The government itself must institutionalize the system that will drive away corruption – treating judges well: let them have good remuneration, good housing, and more modern equipment, like ICT equipment to make their job easier.”

He enthused, “My syllogism (in Ozekpedia) in which I invented the word, ‘judocracy’ is what is working in Nigeria. Judocracy is a system of government, rather than democracy, which was defined by Abraham Lincoln during his Gettysburg Declaration on the 19th of November, 1863, ‘Judocracy’ is a system where Presidents, Governors, Senators, House of Representatives members, House of Assembly members, chairmen of Local Government and Local Government councillors are conceived, incubated and midwifed in the hallowed faces of our courts. That should never be the case because, without knowing it, the judiciary is substituting its own will and displacing the free will of the people as expressed through the ballot. And this must never be the situation in Nigeria.”

Later at the ceremony, where about 432 were convocated, the Chancellor, Mr Okechukwu Gregory Ibe (Jnr) charged the graduands, “Your presence here today is the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and perseverance. These are essential traits for excelling in any modern environment,” asking them to reflect on their journey, pursue their purpose, be innovative and resilient, have a heart of service and gratitude.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof Augustine Uwakwe, in his admonition to the graduates, said, “Education is more than just a means to a career. It is the key to unlocking opportunities, to questioning, to imagining a better world, and to making meaningful contributions. As you step into the next phase of life, carry with you the values of curiosity, integrity, and a passion for lifelong learning.”

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Mrs Cele Njoku, who reflected on the journey so far in the university development, stated, “The university is still in dire need of assistance in some critical areas that would enhance teaching and learning leading to the complete attainment of its to robust mission and vision.”

These include the need to strengthen the Alumni Association and advise them to reflect on their journey, pursue their purpose, be innovative and resilient, and have a heart of service and gratitude.

Notable Nigerians were honoured on the occasion, including Prof. Mike Ozekhome SAN, Prof. Barth Nnaji, Prof. Evaristus Ogechi Anyaehie and Orji Nwafor Orizu, among others.