The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure Branch, has urged the government to ensure full judicial autonomy to strengthen fair and impartial justice in the country.
The call was made in a communiqué issued on Sunday by the Branch Chairman, Barrister Onimisi Umar, at the end of the association’s Law Week themed “Nigeria: Quest for Utilitarian Judiciary and Role for Stakeholders”.
“On judiciary autonomy, the NBA Akure Branch reiterates that the judiciary is severely compromised by financial dependence on the executive, undermining its ability to function impartially and effectively.
“The judiciary lacks fiscal autonomy, with the executive withholding up to 60 to 70 per cent of their budgets, causing serious operational shortfalls and causing the judiciary heads to constantly seek funds from the executive.
“This is thus weakening independence and exposing judges to political pressure.
“It is high time that the judiciary be severed from the apron-string of the executive,” the communiqué stated.
The association urged full compliance with Section 121(3)(c) of the Constitution, stressing that the judiciary must control its finances and infrastructure without interference.
On correctional reforms, the branch called for stronger implementation of the Correctional Service Act, 2019, and better structures for rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-inmates.
“The NBA Akure Branch advocates for the need for the Ondo State Government to establish a department in charge of correctional reforms and policies focusing more on funding, data, and proper monitoring of the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-inmates,” it added.
The NBA also sought reduced judicial involvement in election matters, saying election disputes should be concluded before swearing-in, and encouraged wider adoption of alternative dispute resolution to ease court congestion.
