Chidi Odinkalu, a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, has expressed concern over the dangerous alliance forming between judges and politicians, claiming it is undermining democratic legitimacy in Nigeria.
The law professor noted that politicians and governors, realizing that the votes of the masses are largely disregarded, have taken to courting judges by frequently donating Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to them in an attempt to influence electoral cases.
Odinkalu appeared as a guest on “Inside Sources” with Laolu Akande, a socio-political program aired on Channels Television on Friday.
He stated, “Politicians instruct their opponents to appeal to the courts following contentious elections, and when ‘the courts rule that they have won, democracy has won.’ Judges are being manipulated to dismantle the system.”
He remarked, “In this economy, who buys a V6 or a V8? It’s beyond absurd and utterly aggravating. These governors have provided four-wheel drives for senators and members of the House of Representatives, and have extended their generosity to state legislators as well. They are donating SUVs to the judiciary nationwide.”
“We are witnessing an outbreak of greed, an epidemic of crass acquisitiveness that’s simply ridiculous. Why do they do this? It’s procurement. In doing so, they pocket far more than they give away. It serves as an excuse to acquire.”
The human rights activist lamented that governors continue to gift lavish vehicles to their allies while essential services like hospitals and schools remain inadequate within their jurisdictions.
“There are no hospitals, no schools, no roads. Consequently, we are forced to seek private healthcare abroad. Our children are sent to foreign private schools. We have private helipads, private jets, and airstrips. We also invest in private security. That’s the real problem,” he stated.
‘True Reforms Must Begin with INEC and the Judiciary’
Odinkalu asserted that genuine democratic reforms must begin with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary, and anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
“This is why I have focused on INEC and the judiciary. That is where it all starts,” he said.
He noted, “Recently, new judges of the high courts and justices of the Appeal Court were sworn in. Did you notice how many state governors and senior politicians attended?”
“Politicians hosted receptions for judges, and those judges attended because they realize that our votes don’t count; what truly matters are the votes of judges, and the politicians are deliberately courting them.”
“This judicial manipulation of processes has fundamentally eroded both democratic legitimacy and the people’s faith as the cornerstone of democracy. Citizens are left wondering why we are not reaping the benefits of democracy when their votes are rendered meaningless.”
“There are certain institutions we cannot allow to falter. I count three among them, in no particular order: INEC, the judiciary, and anti-corruption agencies. That is why I hold them to such high standards in both my private and public intellectual pursuits. I challenge them relentlessly because these institutions stand guard over the citizens, either inflicting hardship or safeguarding the nation’s welfare. If we fail to make these institutions function effectively, saving the country will be an impossible task,” Odinkalu concluded..
