Judicial Autonomy in Nigeria: A Myth or A Constitutional Albatross?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31078/consrev1214Keywords:
Constitution, Autonomy, Judiciary, Nigeria, Separation of PowersAbstract
The recent threat by Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) exuding resolve to stage yet another industrial strike-action to demand realistic autonomy of the Nigerian Judiciary has re-enacted the conversation for judicial autonomy in Nigeria. The power architecture in Nigeria has made both the state and federal legislative and judicial branches of governance the recipients of incremental erosion of independence by a flourishing state bureaucracy for purposes of executive expediency. Adopting the doctrinal research methodology of analysis which leverages on primary and secondary sources, this paper contends that judicial autonomy is a fundamental ingredient for effective dispensation of justice which is a fundamental factor in modern democracies. The paper examines the constitutional guarantees for the hallowed notion of separation of political powers across the branches of governance in Nigeria, with focus on the funding and general administration of the judicial organ of governance. The paper contributes to the proper conceptualization of ‘judicial autonomy’ to implicate the manner of funding which is at the very root of judicial emasculation in Nigeria. It concludes through its findings that judicial autonomy in Nigeria is attainable despite the seeming challenges, with a courageous bar and willing judiciary. Some recommendations are made that would help the realization of judicial autonomy for proper justice administration in Nigeria.
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