A senior lawyer of note, Amobi Nzelu, has called on the Nigerian judiciary to remain independent and courageous ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that democracy cannot survive if citizens lose confidence in the institutions responsible for administering justice.
Amobi Nzelu who spoke during an informal interaction with journalists in Abuja, during the New Yam festival in his residence in Abuja, said the judiciary remained critical to the survival of Nigeria’s democracy because of its role in resolving electoral and constitutional disputes.
He expressed concern over what he described as the growing influence of money in the justice system, but stressed that his criticism did not apply to every judicial officer, as some judges, according to him, still maintain their integrity.
The lawyer also criticised the cost of political office, particularly what he described as excessive expenditure on official privileges and vehicles by legislators in a country where many citizens struggle to meet their basic needs. He argued that the enormous sums spent by politicians during elections could create pressure on elected officials to recover their investments after assuming office.
Amoginjali further appealed to Nigerians to reject ethnic and religious politics, saying citizens from different backgrounds share the same markets, economy and national challenges.
He particularly faulted the argument that members of a particular ethnic group should be permanently excluded from occupying Nigeria’s highest political office, insisting that competence and character should determine who leads the country. The lawyer said Nigerians should also develop the courage to question public officials whose lifestyles appeared inconsistent with their legitimate sources of income.
He said his own experiences, including years of legal practice in Maiduguri and involvement in major legal battles, had strengthened his belief in justice, perseverance and the need for Nigerians to stand up for what is right.
Nzelu also spoke about his annual New Yam gathering, which he said was designed to bring friends, associates and people from different backgrounds together to eat, interact and exchange views.
He urged Nigerians to combine prayer with hard work and civic responsibility, saying the country’s problems could not be solved by prayer alone.
“The hope lies in our resolve to say no and ask questions,” he said, stressing that citizens must demand accountability if Nigeria is to overcome its political, institutional and economic challenges.
