The Shackled Hall of Justice: Urgent Appeal for an End to the Judicial Coup in Nigeria, A Call for Change Amidst Nepotism -By John Egbeazien Oshodi

A Cry Against the Judicial Coup and Nepotistic Siege, Uniting for Change with Global and National Protests, Online Platforms, Media Engagement, and International Advocacy, Voiced by a Psychologist

In the annals of our legal history, a troubling chapter has been penned—a chapter that has left me, like many others, with a bitter taste of disillusionment. The headline, “A captured temple of justice,” published by Chidi Anselm Odinkalu in the Premium Times on October 8, 2023, echoed the very sentiments that have been churning in my stomach, causing an acidic reflux of despair. The phrase encapsulates the profound anguish many of us feel as we witness the very core of our judicial system crumble under the weight of nepotism and corruption.

With mounting frustration and a sense of urgency, I embark on this journey to address the heinous crimes against justice. The title, “The Shackled Hall of Justice,” encapsulates our collective outcry against a judicial coup that has gripped our legal institutions and a nepotistic siege that has suffocated fairness. Our battle is not just a local one; it’s a global call for change.

Here I delve into the heart of this crisis, armed not just with reports from the vast tapestry of Nigerian media, both online and traditional news outlets, as well as international news sources but with the fervent determination to shake the foundations of corruption.

I, a psychologist, lend my voice to this symphony of defiance, understanding the profound psychological injuries inflicted upon our society. This is not just an article; it’s a manifesto of our resilience, a testament to our refusal to accept a distorted version of justice.

I am acutely attuned to the psychological injuries inflicted upon our society. The weight of injustice bears down not only on our legal system but seeps insidiously into the very psyche of our people. It breeds cynicism, erodes trust, and leaves scars that transcend generations. The psychological toll of witnessing a once-revered institution succumb to the clutches of nepotism is immeasurable. It leaves us, the observers, with a profound sense of helplessness, as if our moral compass has been shattered, and we are adrift in a sea of ethical ambiguity.

In the prevailing environment dominated by nepotism and favoritism, individuals without influential connections face limited opportunities for fair consideration.

This reminds me of a media story of a female magistrate in 2021 in Abia State, resorting to mortgaging her house and paying a hefty bribe in a desperate but unsuccessful attempt to secure a judicial position, sheds a glaring light on the insidious grip of nepotism and corruption strangling Nigeria’s judicial framework. This brave but tragically misguided act, driven by the sheer desperation of a broken system, ended in her untimely demise. This incident symbolizes the desperation felt by ordinary Nigerians who face entrenched nepotism and favoritism within the legal system.

By manipulating appointments to favor relatives and selected candidates, corrupt officials not only deny deserving individuals’ opportunities but also tarnish the integrity of the entire legal process. The tragic fate of the deceased magistrate, who went to extreme lengths, including risking her home and paying substantial amounts, epitomizes the despair faced by countless qualified candidates. Their aspirations are crushed under the weight of unfair practices, leaving them disillusioned and disheartened.

This blatant favoritism intensifies the challenges experienced by ordinary citizens, perpetuating a cycle of inequality and hopelessness where the average citizens are in a system rigged in favor of the privileged few. With many doing everything within their means to leave their native land, then who is left in this sea of societal immorality.

In the face of this moral quagmire, there emerges a potent defiance—a steadfast refusal to accept this perversion of justice. We, as a nation, are not mere spectators; we are active participants in a battle for the very soul of our legal system. Our cry reverberates not only through the hollow halls of our courts but across continents. It’s a call to use all sorts of non-bloody tactics against the tyranny of a judicial coup, a clarion declaration that we refuse to bow before the altar of corruption.

Ethically, we stand on solid ground, anchored by the unwavering principles of fairness, transparency, and integrity. The shackles that bind our hall of justice are not just physical; they are ethical chains that fetter the ideals upon which our society is built. In exposing this nefarious siege, we are not just holding a mirror to our legal system but also to our collective conscience.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, is part of the National Judicial Council (NJC) that makes appointments, yet we see his own son appointed as a judge of the Federal High Court and sworn in by him. Incredible!  This direct appointment of a family member raises concerns about nepotism within the highest echelons of the judiciary.

This year, the NJC convened to approve the elevation of son-in-law of Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal’s. This individual had previously been appointed as a judge of the National Industrial Court of Nigerian (NICN), a mere six years earlier in 2017.

In the intricate tapestry of Nigerian justice, the saga of retired Justice Mary Odili unfolds like a bewildering scene from a satirical comedy. As her daughters ascend the judicial ranks, the glaring lack of fairness in this ascent raises profound questions in a nation brimming with over 200 million people, a place in which numerous talented lawyers struggle for recognition. Yet, amidst this tumultuous backdrop, the influence of Madam Justice Odili seems boundless. We anticipate another carefully crafted public speech, albeit one that sounds political, despite the retired judge’s knowledge that allusions to active or inactive judicial cases should be avoided. Yet, we are dealing with a judiciary marked by scant ethics and unfairness, especially in recent times. In this environment, the blurred line between impartiality and personal favoritism challenges the very essence of justice in our nation.

In the murky depths of nepotism and favoritism, institutions like the Nigeria Bar Association and the Media, meant to uphold legal ethics and public fairness, seem alarmingly powerless. Within the intricate maze of our justice system, the reek of nepotism permeates, staining the very essence of impartiality. These instances of favoritism are not mere anecdotes; they exemplify a judicial coup that has infiltrated our esteemed institutions. The sacred trust vested in these positions within the judiciary has been cruelly betrayed, replaced by a culture of entitlement that undermines the core principles of justice.

This pervasive pattern, where positions of influence are traded as family privileges, not only corrodes the ethical foundations of our legal system but also inflicts profound psychological wounds upon a nation yearning for equity. Our outcry against this nepotistic siege is more than a protest; it is a defiant roar against the essence of corruption. We unite as an unwavering force, unwilling to bow to the whims of the privileged few. Through global protests echoing our demands, online platforms amplifying our voices, media engagement spreading our truths, and international advocacy seeking justice on our behalf, we stand tall against this nepotistic tyranny.

The shackled hall of justice may tremble under the weight of corruption, but our collective voice, potent and resolute, will be the seismic force that dismantles these walls of nepotistic injustice. We rise not just for ourselves but also for future generations—a legacy of justice unblemished by the stains of favoritism and corruption, a legacy we are determined to bequeath to the world.

The audacious appointment of the Chief Justice of Nigeria’s own son to a Federal High Court judgeship strikes at the heart of judicial integrity, severely eroding our faith in the bedrock of our legal system. This egregious abuse of power is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of a widespread disease infecting our legal institutions, corroding the very essence of fairness and impartiality.

In a just society, positions of influence should be earned through merit, integrity, and dedication, not bestowed as familial privileges. The psychological impact of such practices runs deep, sowing seeds of resentment and despair among the deserving, their aspirations crushed beneath the weight of entrenched favoritism.

Yet, amid this darkness, a resilient spirit emerges. We unite globally, raising our voices in a collective outcry that reverberates across borders. Online platforms become our battleground, where our digital footprints stand as testaments to our resistance, challenging prevailing norms. Media engagement becomes our amplifier, ensuring our truths are pierced through the fog of deception. International advocacy becomes our weapon, compelling the world to witness our unwavering struggle for justice.

From these wounds, a potent collective resolve rises, unyielding in its pursuit of change. The hall of justice might have momentarily dimmed, but our unified determination serves as the guiding light out of this darkness. Together, we stand not just against nepotism but against the very essence of injustice. Our demand reaches beyond mere change; it is a declaration of our inherent right to a fair and impartial judicial system.

In this battle devoid of violence, we harness the power of global protests, our collective cry for justice echoing through every street, town, and village. These protests, far from acts of aggression, represent our shared determination. We amplify our message through online platforms, where the world witnesses our struggle in real-time. Social media transforms into our battlefield, where our voices resonate louder, and our cause gains unstoppable momentum.

In our fight against the pervasive darkness of injustice, media engagement emerges as our mightiest weapon and our most impenetrable shield. Acknowledging the compromised state of traditional media outlets, we refuse to be silenced. Through online newspapers and democratic-driven television and radio stations, we boldly share our narrative with the world, exposing the chains that bind our hall of justice. We extend an open invitation to the global community, urging them to bear witness to our unwavering battle for fairness and transparency.

International advocacy stands as our guiding light, illuminating the path to justice and equity. With unwavering determination, we reach out to international organizations, human rights advocates, and diplomatic missions, urging them to stand in unwavering solidarity with us. Their support not only bolsters our cause but also serves as a reminder that our fight is not solitary. When we have credible names, authenticated as masters of judicial and political injustice, we will present them to the world, revealing the faces behind the malevolence.

The erosion of integrity within the judiciary, particularly when appointments are bereft of merit, is a cancer that corrodes the very soul of justice. It tarnishes the reputation of the legal system, casting doubt on the impartiality of court rulings and the efficacy of justice delivery. The consequences of this erosion reverberate far beyond individual cases; they seep into the very foundation of our democratic society, eroding the trust and faith that citizens place in the pillars of justice.

Through our collective efforts, we shall reclaim the honor of our hall of justice and reinstate it as a sanctuary where fairness, integrity, and truth prevail.

The United Nations Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary emphasize that judicial appointments should be safeguarded against improper motives. Nepotistic appointments directly contradict these principles.

There is a call by this psychologist for separating the roles of influential figures, such as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, from the appointment process. Separation of powers would reduce the chances of undue influence in judicial appointments.

Implementing transparent procedures, such as open applications, merit-based assessments, and independent oversight, is essential to restore confidence in the appointment process. Holding those responsible for nepotistic appointments accountable through legal means is crucial to deter such practices in the future. The erosion of trust in the judiciary can lead to increased lawlessness and vigilantism, undermining social order and cohesion. Addressing nepotism requires comprehensive judicial reforms, revisiting appointment processes, setting clear guidelines, and enforcing strict ethical standards.

Raising awareness about nepotism through social media and advocacy, supporting investigative journalism, collaborating with NGOs promoting transparency, and exploring legal avenues like public interest litigations can collectively combat corruption within the legal system. These efforts are vital to upholding the principles of justice and fairness while fostering trust in the judiciary.

To promote a fair legal system, citizens can engage in several impactful ways. Voting for transparent and fair-minded candidates during elections is crucial, and encouraging others to do so amplifies this effort. Raising awareness internationally can prompt internal reforms, and peaceful protests express public discontent, influencing policies. Community events, like town hall meetings, can educate citizens about their rights and the importance of a just judiciary.

Ethical training within the legal community is essential for upholding integrity, and seeking support from international organizations can guide reforms. Encouraging legal professionals to speak out against corruption and protecting whistleblowers strengthens internal accountability. Educating the youth empowers them to champion fairness. By focusing on these strategies, communities can actively contribute to fostering a more equitable legal system.

The time for change is upon us. The Nigerian people, resilient and united, can no longer be taken for granted by the elite. The psychological impact of their actions on us cannot be ignored. We stand united, peacefully advocating for justice and ethical governance. Through our collective strength and determination, we shatter the chains of disempowerment. Our peaceful protests, amplified through online platforms, media engagement, and international advocacy, echo our demand for fairness and human rights. The elites must recognize that their actions have consequences and that we, the people, are not voiceless. Together, we challenge the status quo, not just for ourselves, but for the generations that will follow. We are resilient, we are determined, and we will prevail.”

Our collective voice against these injustices is not just a plea; it is a demand for accountability and fairness. By addressing specific incidents supported by evidence, we strengthen our stance, compelling the nation and the international community to take notice. Through peaceful protests, online platforms, and global advocacy, we strive to liberate our justice system from the clutches of corruption and restore trust in the halls of justice.

In the intricate web of nepotism, where the judiciary itself stands tarnished, psychological wounds run deep, etching scars on the collective psyche of a nation. The very institution is meant to uphold justice, fairness, and the rule of law becomes a battleground of privilege, leaving the common citizen in the throes of disillusionment. In this quagmire, the psychological toll is immeasurable. The erosion of trust in the judiciary becomes a silent epidemic, sowing seeds of cynicism and skepticism in the hearts of those who once looked to the courts for solace.

The issues within the judiciary, plagued by nepotism and favoritism, cast a long shadow on the mental landscape of the nation. It breeds a sense of helplessness, a feeling that the very system meant to protect them has abandoned its sacred duty. Anxiety permeates the air as citizens grapple with the realization that justice, once a beacon of hope, now flickers dimly under the weight of nepotistic practices.

Yet, amid this despondency, a resilient spirit emerges. The people, despite the psychological trauma inflicted by a compromised judiciary, refuse to surrender entirely to despair. Instead, they channel their frustration into a collective demand for change. This psychological metamorphosis signifies not just a battle against nepotism but a fight for the soul of the judiciary.

In the face of judiciary-related injustices, the psychological fortitude of the citizens becomes a potent weapon. The collective outrage against the erosion of justice transforms into a catalyst for reform. It is a clarion call for the restoration of faith in the judiciary, for a system where every individual, irrespective of their lineage, tribe or socio-economic background finds solace in the eyes of Justice. This psychological uprising signifies not just a demand for fair opportunities but a plea for the reinstatement of trust in the very heart of the nation’s legal framework.

United not just as activists but as voices of justice, we lack the police or security agencies that oppress peaceful protesters. Yet, our cry resonates globally, echoing through protests, reverberating across online platforms, finding its voice in media engagement, and resounding within the halls of international advocacy.

With unwavering determination, we march onward. The captive hall of justice will not endure its chains forever. Our collective cry, amplified by the global community, propels us toward a future where justice reigns unshackled and accessible to all. To those who dare to oppose the fearless guardians of justice, let the spirits of goodness and righteousness haunt them and their circles in ways unseen. Together, our resolve will triumph, and the shackles of injustice will crumble beneath the weight of our unified voices.

In this poignant conclusion titled “The Shackled Hall of Justice,” I solemnly reflect on the actions of Justices Ariwoola, Dongban-Mensem, and Odili, who brazenly embody the words of Law professor Itsejuwa Sagay, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN. He lamented that ‘sons and daughters of retired and serving judges and justices are being nominated for appointment into sensitive judicial positions at the expense of more qualified candidates without privileged support and backing.’ Their actions, along with those of others steeped in nepotism and favoritism, have not only tarnished the sanctity of justice but have also invoked the wrath of an entire land and its people. The reverberations of their decisions will haunt them, serving as a chilling reminder of the price of their betrayal.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, who was born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, to a father who served in the Nigeria police for 37 years, is an American-based police and prison scientist and forensic, clinical, and legal psychologist. A government consultant on matters of forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA; and a former interim associate dean and assistant professor at Broward College, Florida. The Founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation, Center for Psychological Health and Behavioral Change in African Settings. In 2011, he introduced state-of-the-art forensic psychology into Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, where he served in the Department of Psychology as an Associate Professor. He has taught at various universities and colleges including Florida memorial University, Florida International University, Broward college, Lynn University, and a contributing faculty member at the Weldios university in Benin Republic, Nexus International University, Uganda, Nova Southeastern University and Walden University in USA.He is a Human Rights Psychologist with a focus on African related environments. john.oshodi@mail.waldenu.edu