The Human and Environmental Development Agenda Resource Centre, on Tuesday, presented the fifth edition of its Leadership Approval Rating, highlighting Nigeria’s embattled judicial system and calling for urgent reforms to restore public trust.

Titled “Voices for Justice: A Civic Lens on Nigeria’s Judicial System – Documenting Public Experiences, Opinions & Reform Demands,” the report reflects the views of 1,357 Nigerians across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

At the unveiling event in Ikeja, Lagos, the Executive Secretary of HEDA, Sulaimon Arigbabu, described the report as “a mirror held up to power,” revealing the growing frustration of Nigerians over alleged corruption, inefficiency, and political interference in the judiciary.

“We must confront an uncomfortable reality: Nigeria’s judiciary is facing a serious credibility crisis.

This is not a theoretical or abstract concern; it is a daily reality for millions of Nigerians who turn to the courts to defend their rights and seek justice,” Arigbabu said.

He emphasised the critical role of the judiciary in any democracy, stating, “The judiciary serves as both the constitutional guardian of our rights and liberties, and the bedrock upon which any form of governance depends.”

Arigbabu noted that the Leadership Approval Rating Volume 5 provides empirical data and public sentiment on the judiciary’s performance, drawn from citizens’ direct experiences.

“These are not just statistics; they are the live experiences and unfiltered voices of the Nigerian people,” he remarked.

The report covers key areas of concern, including judicial independence, ethical conduct within the legal profession, and the judiciary’s interaction with law enforcement agencies.

It also outlines a series of reform demands such as full judicial autonomy, restructuring of the National Judicial Council, increased use of technology, and stronger ethical standards.

“These are not mere suggestions; they are imperatives for restoring public trust and safeguarding the integrity of our administration of justice,” Arigbabu said.

While acknowledging the challenges of reforming the judiciary, Arigbabu emphasised that such a process requires “unwavering political will, active civic engagement, and sustained commitment from all stakeholders.”

“Let this report serve as a tool for both reflection and redirection. Let it empower reformers within and beyond the judiciary to take bold, transformative action,” he added.

In his closing remarks, Arigbabu thanked HEDA’s team, partners, and all contributors to the report. “Together, we can rise to the challenge and contribute to the transformation of our judicial system for the better,” he stated.



https://punchng.com/judiciary-facing-credibility-crisis-heda/