Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Election, has spoken on the pivotal role of an independent judiciary in Nigeria, during the Justice Anthony Aniagolu’s Memorial Lecture at Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.
He narrated his experiences, stating that he was the highest beneficiary of the judiciary in the country when there were incorruptible judges.
Obi reminisced winning an election in Anambra State, being impeached, and subsequently restored to power by the judiciary. He stressed the importance of an independent judiciary in upholding the rule of law, fighting criminality, and ensuring the survival and development of society.
However, he expressed concern over the current state of the judiciary, describing it as weak and compromised by the executive and the highest bidder. He stressed that the future of Nigeria is compromised because of the erosion of judicial independence.
Obi advocated for a strong and independent judiciary, free from interference by the executive. He shared that during his tenure as governor, he never appointed any judge, leaving that power to the Chief Judge. He urged for the reestablishment of a strong judiciary to restore faith in the legal system and promote democracy.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Prof Emmanuel Obi, commended the lecture, stating that the state had made several laws to create an enabling environment for business to thrive.
Prof. Christian Anieke, the Vice Chancellor of GOUNI, commended Aniagolu as an erudite jurist and incorruptible judge who laid the foundation for the establishment of the university. He expressed gratitude to Obi for delivering the 5th Memorial Lecture on Aniagolu, acknowledging his dedication to upholding integrity and legacy in Nigeria’s democracy.
In his closing remarks, Prof Chukwuemeka Aniagolu, the son of the late jurist, thanked for the honor given to his family and spotlighted his father’s contributions to the growth of the judiciary in Nigeria.
