By OBSERVERS TIMES
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has accused many judges and lawyers in Nigeria of corruption, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the nation’s judiciary.
Speaking on Monday during the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Law Week event in Abuja’s Bwari Branch, El-Rufai lamented the erosion of public trust in the judiciary, citing persistent delays in delivering justice and biased rulings that often favour the wealthy and powerful.
El-Rufai also criticized the frequent use of ex parte court orders in political disputes, accusing some lawyers of exploiting the judicial system for political gain. He described this practice as part of a broader trend of “forum shopping” that undermines the credibility of Nigerian courts.
“In Nigeria, there is a widening gap between law and justice,” El-Rufai said. “Justice appears elusive, and the law is often administered according to the wishes of the Executive. This troubling reality demands sober introspection from all legal practitioners to ensure that justice is truly blind and balanced.”
He urged legal professionals to reflect on their roles and reaffirm their commitment to upholding fairness and independence in the judiciary.
The former governor’s remarks come amid growing public concerns over judicial corruption and inefficiency, issues that continue to challenge Nigeria’s justice system.
