THE ROLE OF JUDICIARY IN SUSTAINING DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA

WRITER: OLAYINKA ALAYA TOPIC: THE ROLE OF JUDICIARY IN SUSTAINING DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA The concept of democracy needs to be clearly understood before we can appreciate the roles of the judiciary in its sustenance. Democracy is a system of government under which the people are expected to exercise the governing power either directly or through representatives periodically elected by the people. For effective administration of justice in a democracy, courts have definite and decisive roles to play. Courts are Government institutions that settle legal disputes and administer justice. The judiciary arm of government, resolves conflicts involving individuals, organizations, government and political parties. It also has the power to review the actions of both the executives and the legislature. Although, lack of judicial independence affects the performance of the judges in Nigeria, when it comes to judicial review and delivering justice. Nevertheless, with numerous constraints facing the institution, it manages to provide fair justice to poor people and powerless individuals. The judiciary arm of government now remains the faith of Nigerians in bringing justice to reign in Nigeria, due to its numerous landmark achievements recorded so far. Among the landmark judgment of the judiciary was the removal of lawmakers and Governors who occupy positions illegally and undemocratic. The judiciary has been playing pivotal roles in the dispensation of justice, and the public thus expect much from them. A situation whereby a common man will be sentence to life imprisonment or several years in prison for stealing a goat or a little sum of amount, while those carting away or embezzling public funds were given bail with the payment of some amount of money would not be tolerate any longer. Justice is expected to be dispensing in accordance to the constitution and lay down rules and regulations. Judges are expected not to compromise justice or attach themselves to their judgement. Now that Nigerians belief in judiciary as their last resort, they should strive to bring justice, tears of diligent, relief, to Nigerians and protect the rights of the common people. Also, the judiciary should also strive hard to meet the challenges facing the institution and facilitate good governance in the workings of government and sustaining democracy in Nigeria. The Federal Government, however, should provide reasonable salary that would make judges abstain from bribery and corruption and work towards ensuring the wellbeing of Nigerian judges. Nigerian Journalists should be given the free hands to operate, unravel what is being covered up and assist in unravelling bad and corrupt leaders in Nigeria for them to dance to the lyrics of the music of the law in order for Nigeria to be sanitized and free from corrupt leaders. The Nigeria Police force and other law enforcement agencies should always protect the lives of judges from anything that could stop them from bringing justice to reign. With the fact that Nigerians are looking on to the judiciary as their last hope, it is advisable for the judiciary not to fail Nigerians and make sure that those elected illegally and undemocratic in Nigeria are brought to book and put to where they belong. The Nigeria Bar Association should also work hard by ensuring that their members are free from corruption and stop influencing justices through monetary means. Lawyers should be among the purveyors of good governance, they should work for the progress of Nigeria, strengthen the Fundamental Human Rights and embark on heavy crusade against corruption which is the mother of all crimes in Nigeria.