Justice Hamma Barka: The Courage to Uphold Nigeria’s Judiciary and Democracy -By John Egbeazien Oshodi

Three weeks ago, I posed a heartfelt question in a published article to Justice Hamma Barka: What have you got to lose? Today, I return to celebrate his response—not through declarations but through actions that speak louder than words. Alongside Justice Onyekachi Otisi, Justice Barka has shown that true judicial leadership is about embracing responsibility, even when it challenges the status quo and invites peril.

In a judiciary burdened by compromise and corruption, their rulings have become a beacon of hope. These decisions were not mere legal corrections; they were bold affirmations that fairness, federalism, and democracy are sacred. Justice Barka and some of his colleagues demonstrated that even in a system steeped in challenges, courage can shine, integrity can prevail, and justice can triumph.

Courage Amidst Judicial Decay

Justice Hamma Barka’s leadership in restoring Rivers State’s rightful access to federal allocations was a watershed moment for Nigeria’s judiciary. By overturning politically motivated rulings from compromised Abuja judges, he did more than deliver a verdict—he reclaimed the judiciary’s role as a defender of federalism. His panel’s decision resounded with clarity: The judiciary is not for sale. Federalism is non-negotiable. Justice is not a privilege reserved for the powerful.

In a judiciary riddled with figures like James Omotosho, Joyce Abdulmalik, and Peter Lifu—judges whose rulings repeatedly betrayed their oaths in favor of political expediency apparently—Justice Barka’s actions offer a counter-narrative. These compromised judges have weaponized the judiciary, turning it into a tool of manipulation that undermines the very essence of justice. By nullifying their out-of-jurisdiction rulings, Justice Barka and his panel defended not just Rivers State but the core principles of Nigeria’s democracy.

Rivers State and the Federalist Ideal

Rivers State, with its vast oil wealth and economic significance, has often been at the center of Nigeria’s political intrigue. However, Justice Barka’s ruling was not about resources or power—it was about fairness and respect. The interference of Abuja judges, notorious for their blatant disregard for federal boundaries, was more than an affront to Rivers State; it was an assault on the principles of federalism itself.

Justice Barka’s panel reaffirmed that states must be treated with dignity and autonomy. By overturning flawed rulings, they safeguarded the constitutional foundation of Nigeria’s federal structure. This decision was more than a legal correction—it was a lifeline for a nation on the brink of institutional collapse. It was a declaration that justice must serve the people, not the political elite.

The Psychological Impact of Justice

For years, Nigerians have watched a judiciary that seemed to protect the powerful while disregarding the plight of ordinary citizens. This erosion of trust left deep psychological scars, breeding cynicism, despair, and hopelessness. Justice Barka’s ruling serves as a powerful counterweight to this despair.

His decision is more than a legal victory; it is a psychological milestone for a nation battered by systemic injustice. It reminds Nigerians that justice is not a myth, that fairness is achievable, and that integrity still holds value in the corridors of power. This ruling is a restoration of faith—a message that the judiciary can still serve as a sanctuary for the powerless and a defender of constitutional rights.

The Cost of Courage

Justice Barka, at nearly 70 years old, understands the risks of his actions. In a system where political interference often dictates outcomes, his defiance carries significant weight. Retaliation—whether through transfers, isolation, or attempts to tarnish his legacy—remains a looming threat. But what does he have to lose?

His legacy is already secure—not because of his rank or tenure but because of his actions. Justice Barka has demonstrated that even in a compromised system, it is possible to choose integrity over expediency. His courage has not only corrected legal wrongs but has also begun to heal the deep psychological wounds inflicted by years of judicial compromise.

Justice Barka, Allah is your guide. He sees your heart and deeds, and He strengthens those who stand for truth. May He grant you health, long life, and unwavering resolve in the pursuit of justice. Through your courage, you have shown that divine guidance is the ultimate source of strength, and in doing so, you have inspired a nation.

Federalism: The Soul of Nigeria

The rulings led by Justice Barka and Justice Otisi extend beyond legal victories; they affirm federalism as the soul of Nigeria’s unity and diversity. By rejecting out-of-jurisdiction interference, they upheld the principle that states must govern themselves without undue meddling. These decisions remind the nation that federalism is not optional but essential for democracy and progress.

Federalism ensures that every state—regardless of its resources or political leanings—is treated with fairness and respect. Justice Barka’s ruling is a blueprint for restoring balance in Nigeria’s governance and a reaffirmation that the constitution is not just a document but a covenant of justice.

A Call to Action for the Judiciary

To the rest of Nigeria’s judiciary: Justice Hamma Barka and Justice Onyekachi Otisi have shown the way forward. Their courage illuminates a path for others to follow. The question is no longer whether the judiciary can rise—it is whether it will.

Will you stand with them, or will you remain complicit in the decay that has brought the judiciary to the brink of irrelevance? Judicial independence is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The judiciary must resist political interference, reject corruption, and prioritize the rule of law above all else. Justice Barka’s actions prove that the judiciary can rise again, but it requires more judges to choose courage over fear.

What Will History Remember?

History will not remember Justice Hamma Barka as perfect, nor does it need to. It will remember him as a judge who stood firm in the face of immense pressure, as a leader who chose justice over convenience, and as a man who defended democracy and federalism when they were most under threat.

Justice Barka, you have nothing left to lose, but Nigeria has everything to gain from your courage. You have shown that one decision, made with integrity and conviction, can change the course of a nation. For this, we are grateful. For this, we are hopeful. For this, we say: thank you.

A Nation Watches

To all judges across Nigeria: Let the courage of Justice Hamma Barka inspire you. The judiciary is not a tool for the powerful; it is the shield of the powerless. Stand firm. Resist interference. Uphold the law.

The children of Nigeria are watching. The people are watching. History is watching. With every decision you make, you write the story of what the judiciary—and the nation—can become. Justice Hamma Barka has shown that Allah is your guide, health is your strength, justice is your purpose, and long life is your reward. You have nothing to lose but everything to save. Let this moment define your legacy. Let it inspire a generation to believe in justice once more.

John Egbeazien Oshodi

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic/clinical psychologist, public policy psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at ISCOM University,  Weldios University and Walden University.