Ijaw Leader Edwin Clark Calls for Judicial Overhaul from New Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun

By DAYO ADESULU 

• Urgent Reforms Needed to Prevent Institutional Collapse

Elder statesman and prominent leader of the Ijaw nation, Edwin Clark, has issued a compelling call to the newly appointed Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, urging her to prioritize a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s judiciary system. In an open letter addressed to the Chief Justice, Clark warned that failure to implement necessary reforms could result in the collapse of this vital institution.

• Addressing Corruption and Dysfunction

In his letter dated Thursday, Clark highlighted the pressing need for Justice Kekere-Ekun to tackle ongoing concerns regarding corruption and dysfunction within the judiciary and the Nigerian Bar Association. He lamented the unsuccessful attempts by previous Chief Justices to initiate meaningful institutional reforms, specifically referencing the unfinished efforts of former Chief Justice Dahiru Musdapher.

Clark urged the new Chief Justice to “restore the past glory of the Judiciary,” citing various corruption scandals, undue political influence on court decisions, and the controversial treatment of former Chief Justice Walter Onoghen as indicative of the judiciary’s decline.

• A Legacy of Concerns

Part of Clark’s letter expressed deep concerns about the current state of the judiciary, stating, “Corruption and the recent scandalous developments in the judiciary are fast becoming a bane in our society.” He described the treatment of Justice Onoghen as a “black spot” on both the judiciary and the Nigerian Bar, suggesting that it stemmed from a conspiracy involving high-ranking officials to undermine Onoghen’s authority.

Clark raised constitutional questions regarding the powers of the President in relation to suspending a Chief Justice, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to the rule of law in such decisions.

• The Importance of Judicial Integrity

In his remarks, Clark underscored the importance of maintaining the integrity and dignity of the judiciary. He cautioned against the potential influence of high-profile government officials on judges, noting that maintaining professional boundaries is essential for upholding the respect and honor traditionally associated with the legal profession.

“My Lord, we believe that Nigeria will falter as a nation if the judiciary is not restructured,” he stated, expressing hope that Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment could herald a positive transformation in the judiciary’s operations.

• A Call for Support and Prayers

Clark concluded his letter by emphasizing the collective hope of Nigerians for a revitalized judiciary under Justice Kekere-Ekun’s leadership. He called for the nation’s support and prayers to help address the prevailing issues within the judiciary and the Nigerian Bar Association, asserting that the appointment of a capable Chief Justice is crucial for restoring public faith in this essential arm of government.

This call to action reflects the urgent need for reform and accountability within Nigeria’s judiciary, as the nation looks to its new Chief Justice for leadership and positive change.