–Point-blank
By: George Ozalla
We have indeed derailed politically, and our judiciary has persistently and technically murdered democracy in its entirety. This is a deep concern about the state of democracy and the role of the judiciary in Nigeria. In a democratic system, the judiciary plays a crucial role in ensuring that the rule of law is upheld and that the rights of citizens are protected. However, when the judiciary fails to perform its duties impartially, it can lead to a breakdown in the democratic process.
The judiciary can “murder democracy” in several ways, including failing to check the powers of the executive and legislative branches of government. This can happen when the judiciary compromises its unbiased umpire principle, leading to an abuse of power by the other branches of government. As a result, democratic rights and freedoms can be eroded, and the rule of law can be undermined, leading to anarchy.
Furthermore, the judiciary can fail to protect the rights of marginalized groups and the voiceless. In a democratic system, the judiciary is supposed to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their race, gender, religion, status, or other characteristics. However, when the judiciary fails to perform this role, it can lead to outright marginalization and exclusion of certain groups from the democratic process. This can result in a breakdown in social cohesion and the undermining of democratic stability and participatory politics apathy.
Examples of the judiciary’s failure include lack of independence, selective justice, and delayed justice. When the judiciary is not independent, it can be influenced by the other branches of government, leading to biased decisions. Selective justice occurs when the judiciary fails to apply the law equally to all citizens, leading to a breakdown in trust in the democratic process. Delayed justice can lead to a sense of impunity among those who commit crimes, undermining the rule of law.
The importance of a strong and independent judiciary in a democratic system cannot be overemphasized. When the judiciary fails to perform its duties impartially, it can lead to a breakdown in the democratic process and the undermining of the rule of law. As already stated, “We have indeed derailed politically and the trend is ever rising and ever disappointing. Our Judiciary has technically murdered democracy in its entirety.” Let this stop forthwith, or we risk losing morality, rationality, and legality- all at the same time, ultimately leading to a banana Republic!
