THE Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, has decried what he described as ‘undue interference’ by politicians in the appointment of judges.
Onoghen who said this on Monday at the first Biennial Lecture of the Lagos State Judiciary in Lagos noted the current system of judges appointment in the country is such that the Governor of a state might not allow the names of persons nominated for judicial appointment to be sent to the National Judicial Council for scrutiny if the names of the governor’s candidates are not included on the list.
Justice Onnoghen, who was represented by Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour of the Supreme Court, traced the erosion of judiciary independence to military intervention.
He called for a review of the admission criteria for studying Law in the university, adding that the criteria for appointment as a judge should include a post-graduate degree in Law.
The CJN said, “Appointment of judges have become highly politicised as a governor of a state will not approve the names of persons nominated for the bench for NJC scrutiny if the names of his candidates are not included on that list.
“Our system of making an appointment to the judiciary, which we inherited from Britain, is such that the whole of the judiciary is dependent upon the practising lawyers for its personnel. For this reason, it is suggested that our system of training lawyers for the Bar should be reviewed.
“We cannot build a strong judiciary from a weak Bar. A situation where our current Law undergraduates cannot take notes nor write exams with a good command of English language is regrettable.
“It is, therefore, suggested that Law be made a second-degree course. This will help to reduce the current influx of young people into the faculties of Law across the country and in turn help to produce more mature minds who truly desire to be lawyers.
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“In addition, it is suggested that lawyers desirous of appointment to the bench should, in addition to 10 years post-call (experience) requirement, have a post-graduate degree in Law.
“All these are in aid of sharpening the intellect and widening the educational horizon of lawyers and of course the future judges,” he said.
The event was chaired by President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), who was represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Financial Crimes, Abiodun Aikumo.
In attendance were the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Opeyemi Oke, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Rosaline Bozimo, Attorney General of Lagos State, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, judges, magistrates, Senior Advocates of Nigeria.
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