Ganduje: Politicians Must Safeguard Judiciary’s Independence from External Pressure

Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged politicians and other key players in Nigeria’s democratic process to protect the judiciary from external pressures. Speaking at the first Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) roundtable in Abuja, Ganduje underscored the crucial role an independent judiciary plays in maintaining a healthy democracy.

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“As political leaders, it is our responsibility to bolster efforts aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and integrity within the judiciary to ensure the sustainability of our democracy. An independent judiciary is essential for the preservation of justice, fairness, and the rule of law,” Ganduje said.

He highlighted the significance of transparency and accountability in fostering public trust in the judicial system, calling on all stakeholders to guarantee the judiciary’s freedom from external interference. Ganduje also emphasized the need for reforms in Nigeria’s democratic institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary, and security agencies, stressing that robust institutions are vital for the nation’s stability.

Former Senator Shehu Sani, who also addressed the gathering, criticized the reluctance of Nigerian presidents to pursue electoral reforms due to concerns about their political futures. He praised former President Goodluck Jonathan for his dedication to electoral reforms, notably his decision to appoint an INEC chairman whom he had never met. Sani questioned why other democratic institutions do not enjoy the same level of trust as the judiciary, often referred to as the “last hope of the common man.”

Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, the IPAC National Chairman, highlighted the judiciary’s role as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy. He called for urgent judicial reforms to address recent controversial rulings that have shaken public confidence in the judiciary. Dantalle warned that the current environment, characterized by conflicting court orders and perceived injustices, poses a significant threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system.

Also see; Ganduje: Politicians Must Safeguard Judiciary’s Independence from External Pressure

Dantalle concluded, “There appears to be disorder in the temple of justice. This situation has led to a widespread loss of public confidence in the administration of justice in Nigeria. Immediate reform is necessary to restore the judiciary’s integrity and respect.”