NBA President Slams Governors Over Public Donations to Judges

Afam Osigwe, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has expressed strong disapproval over state governors publicly gifting cars, houses, and other items to judges.

According to Osigwe, such gestures undermine the judiciary’s independence and erode public confidence in the institution.

Osigwe highlighted that the practice creates a perception of undue influence by the executive branch, compromising the judiciary’s autonomy. He emphasized that the judiciary should be an independent arm of government, free from external pressures and influences.

The NBA President argued that all judicial needs, including vehicles and infrastructure, should be budgeted for and managed by the judiciary itself. He rejected the notion that the judiciary lacks the capacity to handle its finances, pointing out that professionals within the system are equipped to manage such responsibilities.

Osigwe warned that the current practice diminishes the judiciary’s stature, robs it of its independence, and erodes public trust.

He urged state governments to adopt financial autonomy practices similar to those at the federal level, ensuring that the judiciary receives adequate funding without compromising its independence.

The NBA President stressed that justice is rooted in confidence, and any erosion of that confidence would have far-reaching consequences. He called on state governments to prioritize the judiciary’s financial autonomy, ensuring that the institution can function independently and effectively.