During the Justice Anthony Aniagolu’s Memorial Lecture at Godfrey Okoye University in Enugu, Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, emphasized his profound experience with incorruptible judges in the country’s judiciary.
Recalling his past electoral challenges, Obi revealed, “I spent three years in court and it was given to me, and after a few months, I was impeached but the judiciary restored me to power.” He highlighted the pivotal role of the judiciary in upholding justice, especially in cases of electoral disputes.
Expressing concern over the current state of the judiciary, Obi lamented, “Our judiciary is weak and compromised by the executive and highest bidder.” He stressed the importance of an independent judiciary for a robust democracy and societal progress.
In emphasizing the significance of a strong judiciary, Obi remarked, “The rule of law is the foundation on which any society survives and develops, and the only thing that makes it sacrosanct is the independence of the judiciary.”
He criticized the trend of compromised judicial decisions, noting, “The future of our society is compromised because the independence of the judiciary has been destroyed.”
Obi also addressed the issue of electoral justice, stating, “INEC is not the problem of Nigeria but the judiciary, whom those denied their rights approached but ended up being disappointed.” He urged for reforms to restore the judiciary’s integrity and independence.
