IS THE LAW REALLY BLIND? June 03, 2023

Justice doesn't see you or anyone. It doesn't know your tribe, religion, geography, or social status. It perceives only the facts, the laws, and the evidence. Now you know what "Justice is Blind" is all about. Is that true in real life? To some degree, yes, in a perfect society. However, race, money, and social status do talk in most jurisdictions.

Therefore, for justice to be truly blind in Nigeria, those charged to apply and enforce the law must remain steadfast and unbiased, no matter the status of the litigants or accused. The leadership (Ministry of Justice, DSS, and EFCC) must adopt the Singaporean model under President Lee Kuan Yew. If the fraud or crime is egregious or willful (Bogus Petroleum Marketers, Pension Funds Raiders, for instance), lock the culprits up without trial.

Adding to that, when confronted with undue pressure or interference from outside or within the judicial system, do the right thing; resign. That's our best chance of surmounting the elusive scourge of corruption in our beloved country, Nigeria.

No one is putting a gun in your head to bend the law. After all, Justice Yaya Abiodun Olatunde Jinadu did resign from the Federal High Court in 1984 rather than apologize to a contemptuous Permanent Secretary. He didn't want to subject the Bench to disrepute. So, we have precedents for both the Bar and the Bench.

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1Osagie Henry