NBA president slams governors’ gifts: Judges shouldn’t be beggars

Osigwe

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, has criticised state governors who publicly donate cars, houses, and other items to judges.

He described the gesture as demeaning and damaging to judicial independence.

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Osigwe expressed concern that the practice undermines the image of the judiciary.

This is as he added that it also fuels perceptions of undue influence by the executive.

So The host highlighted concerns about judicial independence at the state level, noting that governors’ funding of courts and provision of facilities often fuel suspicions of compromised autonomy.

“It is concerning to us that the governors would do things for the judiciary as if they were doing them a favour,

“Oftentimes, it’s annoying seeing some governors talk about how, ‘Oh, I give cars to my judges,’ or even invite the judges and do a public presentation of vehicles or some other material to members of the judiciary,” Osigwe said.

Govs don’t bankroll judges

According to the NBA President, such acts diminish the stature of the judiciary and give the impression that judges are beholden to governors who bankroll their needs.

“We believe it’s demeaning and ought not to be.

“The judiciary should be an independent part of government and should not be demeaned or reduced to a point where members of the judiciary should be given handouts as if a favour was being done to them,” Osigwe stressed. Punch