CJN Ariwoola’s characterization of Nigerians as “mob” most unfortunate —By Chima Christian

Nigeria’s judicial systems, have been under barrages of public commentary lately. There is usually no smoke without fire. Public commentary on the activities of the men and women who now find themselves making judicial decisions for the country, though mostly scathing, are not without justifiable cause.

Mr. Olukayode Ariwoola, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, in confirmation of public suspicions of him and the institution he represents, went ahead today to justify, and indeed double down, on the perceived unjust judgements that have been emanating from what was supposed to be temples of justice.

In his exact language, as widely reported, Nigeria’s supposed Chief Justice said the courts “should never be overwhelmed by the actions or loud voices of the mob or crowd…” A mob? What a way to reduce legitimate complaints and grievances of fellow citizens! By my own count, this would be the second time in less than three months Nigeria’s Supreme Court has called Nigerians mob. The first being during the delivery of Supreme Court’s decision on the 2023 presidential election petitions.

It is not surprising though that Nigeria’s Supreme Court, and by extension, Nigeria’s judicial system, see fellow citizens as a “mob.” Nigeria’s pretences with democracy is gradually coming undone. If not, it would have been easy for Mr. Ariwola to see that he has not one more right and privileges compared to any law-abiding citizen of Nigeria.

Whatever extra authority that has been conferred on Mr. Ariwola, who could have as well been any random “mob” or “charge and bail” lawyer, by the virtue of the now very debased office he occupies, are powers Nigerians freely surrendered. That is the basic assumption of democracy. If this assumption no longer holds true, as it undoubtedly has, then Nigerians, in whose stead judicial officers are appointed and empowered, have no reason to still accord whatever is left of this governance system the privileges that is due true democracy.

If this freewill surrender of powers, rights and privileges to enthrone a democratic governance system has led a few individuals to see themselves as above others, then Nigerians may as well do away with all the pretences and publicly declare the full scale oligarchy we have been sliding into for decades.

Nigeria’s courts, especially the Supreme Court, has, in my own view, repeatedly crossed the limits of acceptable sentiments. As of today, Nigerians only react to senseless court judgements with murmurs, tweet storms and a handful of sponsored protests. That is where the country is presently. But anyone who has the capacity to see further than one’s nose, will find it easy to see that the citizens will not respond in this manner forever.

If these so-called judges and justices cannot see where the nation is headed if their brazen undermining of Nigeria continues, then we can only pray that they indeed double down on their recklessness so that we get to the only possible outcome of this uncontrolled experiment quicker.

Nigeria’s judiciary still has a window of opportunity to self-regulate. I doubt that they will reach out and take the opportunity.

Africa’s morning is at hand.

Chima Christian