No less than twenty Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) have decried the current trial of CJN, Walter Onnoghen
The SANs who are under the umbrella of the Justice Reform Project, said that the current trial is “a manifestation of deeper malaise” in the judiciary system.
According to the Advocates, the corruption eating away at the system has caused for a lack of confidence in the Nigerian courts and also a loss of respect from courts outside the country.
In a statement signed by the SANs, they called for a complete overhaul of the judicial system in Nigeria.
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Those who signed the statement are Mr Ebun Sofunde, Mr Kayode Sofola, Kola Awodein, Ademola Akinrele, Dr Eyimofe Atake, Mrs Olufunke Adekoya, Oluwafemi Atoyebi, Mr Yemi Candide-Johnson, Olasupo Shasore, Dr Babatunde Ajibade, Osaro Eghobamien, and Mr Babatunde Fagbohunlu
Others are Mr Wemimo Ogunde, Mr Jibrin Okutepa, Mr Olumide Sofowora, Prof Ernest Ojukwu, Mr Olatunde Adejuyigbe, Dr Adewale Olawoyin, Mr Adeniyi Adegbonmire, and Mr Oyesoji Oyeleke.
The statement read in part:“Certain facts are hardly contestable.There is a widespread perception that there is corruption in the judiciary and this perception is supported by anecdotal evidence.
“Unscrupulous litigants and some complicit lawyers, including some Senior Advocates, procure judgments and orders by corrupt means. It is also beyond dispute that the system for self-regulation in the judiciary and the legal profession has failed.
“Lack of transparency and a depreciation of the basic ethos of governance in the processes and procedures of the relevant institutions lies at the very heart of the challenges that the Bench and the Bar are currently facing.”
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