The President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), has criticized the practice of building houses and providing cars for judges, calling it unconstitutional. He argued that such actions, whether intended for ulterior motives or not, undermine the judiciary’s independence and integrity.
Osigwe pointed out that no member of the executive branch provides similar benefits to legislators, highlighting a fundamental disparity in how different arms of government are treated.
In an interview with News Central on Thursday, the NBA President emphasized that any need for housing, vehicles, or other resources for judicial officers should be addressed through the judiciary’s annual budget. He stressed that it is inappropriate for the executive to take on the responsibility of providing these items, as it compromises the autonomy of the judiciary, the third arm of government.
Osigwe condemned the practice of governors or other officials publicly presenting cars or building courtrooms and judges’ quarters, describing such actions as demeaning and unconstitutional. He argued that these gestures give the impression of doing judges a personal favor, which he believes undermines their independence. According to Osigwe, the judiciary should manage its own resources and ensure its officers’ needs, including housing and vehicles, are met through the proper channels, not through the goodwill of the executive.
“The judiciary should not be subjected to such humiliation,” Osigwe stated, further asserting that the executive’s involvement in providing these resources for the judiciary erodes the separation of powers. He also voiced strong opposition to the practice of the executive withholding or manipulating funding for the judiciary as a means of exerting control over judges. “Starving the judiciary of funds to make them beg for financial resources is a show of power,” Osigwe added. “It is a deliberate attempt to weaken the judiciary’s independence and effectiveness.”
Osigwe’s comments underscore concerns about the ongoing challenges to judicial independence in Nigeria and the potential consequences of executive interference in judicial affairs.
