The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, has strongly condemned the habit of some state governors who publicly donate vehicles, houses, or other items to judges. He said such gestures reduce the dignity of the judiciary and cast doubts on its independence.
Osigwe, speaking on a television programme, explained that the judiciary is meant to be a separate arm of government, yet governors often act as though they are doing judges a personal favour.
He noted that the practice creates a wrong image and fuels suspicions that judges may be unduly influenced by the executive.
He stressed that many governors openly boast about buying cars or building houses for judges, sometimes even staging public ceremonies to hand them over.
According to him, this approach sends the wrong message to the public about the neutrality of the courts.
The NBA leader argued that no judiciary can be seen as independent when its daily needs are controlled by state executives.
He said that even if judges try to remain neutral, citizens will continue to believe that their decisions are shaped by governors who provide them with basic necessities.
Osigwe maintained that the judiciary should never be treated like an institution surviving on charity.
He emphasized that judges deserve proper funding through official budgets, covering vehicles, court buildings, and other essential infrastructure without interference from the executive.
He dismissed claims that the judiciary lacks the capacity to manage its own finances.
According to him, professionals exist within the system who are trained to handle funds effectively. He described executive control as a form of financial manipulation that weakens the judiciary.
Osigwe further explained that the federal judiciary has already gained more financial independence, and he urged state governments to follow the same path.
He warned that once citizens lose confidence in the impartiality of the courts, justice will be permanently undermined.
About Author
