Basil Odilim
On November 29, 2024, a Nigerian judge starkly demonstrated how government authorities like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have turned the judiciary into an instrument of state control rather than a beacon of justice. In a system where fairness and accountability should prevail, justice has become the exclusive privilege of those in power, while the rest of us are left to contend with a system designed to frustrate and oppress.
An ex parte motion, filed in October, should have been the tool to address an urgent issue swiftly and without notifying the opposing party—essential in situations where alerting the other party might defeat the purpose of the application. However, this motion, meant to ensure immediate intervention, was delayed under numerous technical pretexts. When it finally came up today, it culminated in yet another shocking miscarriage of justice. Instead of hearing the motion as required by law, the judge ruled that the opposing party, the CBN, must be notified.
This ruling, effectively transforming an ex parte motion into a motion on notice, is both unlawful and unprecedented. It showcases a situation where the judge appears to have taken sides, figuratively weeping for the bereaved. The essence of an ex parte motion lies in its ability to provide temporary relief in urgent situations. By insisting that the CBN must be served and adjourning the case to January 14, 2025, the judge undermined the integrity of the legal process and delayed justice yet again.
Winning the Battle, Losing the War
The actions of the CBN and the judiciary reflect a short-sighted strategy that may succeed in delaying individual cases but ultimately contributes to the erosion of trust in Nigeria’s institutions. These government authorities may think they are winning small battles, but in doing so, they are losing the war for the nation’s survival.
The Collapse of Rule of Law
A nation cannot thrive, let alone survive, when the rule of law is systematically eroded. The legal system should protect the weak and hold the powerful accountable, ensuring equality before the law. Instead, Nigeria’s judiciary has become a tool for government agencies like the CBN, which manipulate it to shield their interests at the expense of the people.
- Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied
The deliberate delay of justice has become a hallmark of Nigeria’s courts. Cases requiring urgent attention are dragged out indefinitely, allowing authorities like the CBN to evade accountability. This practice undermines public confidence in the judiciary and deepens the perception that justice is unattainable for ordinary citizens.
- Judicial Complicity in Oppression
When judges prioritize the interests of government authorities over the pursuit of justice, they betray their sacred duty to uphold the rule of law. Such actions signal that the judiciary is not a neutral arbiter but an enabler of oppression. This dangerous precedent allows impunity to flourish and erodes the very foundation of democracy.
- A Nation Without Rule of Law Is a Banana Republic
When government agencies act without accountability and the judiciary enables their excesses, the nation descends into chaos. Institutions crumble, the economy suffers, and citizens lose faith in governance. Nigeria’s descent into lawlessness is a clear marker of a banana republic, where justice is a commodity only the privileged can afford.
- The People Will Demand Accountability
Authorities like the CBN may believe they can manipulate the courts indefinitely, but history has shown that no institution can escape accountability forever. Every day may indeed be for the oppressor, but one day belongs to the oppressed. The people will eventually demand justice, and when that day comes, there will be no refuge for those who have perpetuated this cycle of lawlessness.
The Cost of Injustice
By disregarding the rule of law, the Nigerian government and its institutions are actively dismantling the fabric of the nation. These actions invite chaos, economic stagnation, and international disgrace. A society that tolerates injustice cannot prosper; it is doomed to perpetual decline.
Let this serve as a warning to government authorities like the CBN: the rule of law is the cornerstone of any nation. Without it, there can be no progress, stability, or peace. Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The path of justice leads to renewal and hope, while the path of lawlessness leads to decay and despair.
Those who have chosen the latter path must remember: their actions will not go unpunished. Justice may be delayed, but it cannot be denied forever. The house belongs to the people, and the people will reclaim it.
