As the cornerstone of our justice system, judges are responsible for upholding the law and delivering fair and impartial decisions. However, recent events have shed light on a disturbing reality – the threats to judges’ lives by politicians and powerful individuals. This has not only weakened the judicial process, but also puts the very foundation of our democracy at risk.
In an ideal world, judges would be able to perform their constitutional duties without any external influence or fear. However, in many cases, they are faced with intimidation tactics and even physical threats from those in positions of power. This has created a chilling effect, causing some judges to abandon their adjudication and others to compromise their decisions.
This distortion of the judicial process not only goes against the principle of an independent and impartial judiciary, but also goes against the basic human right to a fair trial. In fact, the United Nations has explicitly stated that “judges should be able to decide cases impartially, on the basis of facts and law, and without any restrictions, influences, inducements, pressures, threats or interference, direct or indirect, from any quarter or for any reason.”
When judges are faced with threats to their lives, it not only affects their mental well-being, but also their ability to make sound and fair decisions. The fear of retribution from powerful individuals can lead to compromised judgments, which undermines the very essence of justice.
Furthermore, it creates a dangerous precedent where individuals with power and influence can manipulate the judicial process for their own interests. This raises concerns about the integrity and credibility of our justice system, which is meant to serve and protect all citizens equally.
It is the duty of the government to ensure the safety and security of judges, as they perform their vital role in upholding the rule of law. This includes providing adequate protection and discouraging any kind of threats or intimidation towards judges. In addition, there should be strict consequences for anyone who interferes with the judicial process or attempts to influence the decisions of judges.
As citizens, we must also play a role in safeguarding the independence of the judiciary. Any attempts to undermine the judicial process should be brought to light and addressed through legal means. It is essential to uphold the principle that no one is above the law, and everyone is entitled to a fair trial.
In conclusion, the distortions to the judicial process through threats to judges’ lives is a serious issue that must be addressed. It not only weakens our justice system, but also poses a threat to the very foundation of our democracy. The law must be upheld, and those responsible for threats and intimidation towards judges must be held accountable. Only then can we ensure a fair and just society for all.
– Benjamin Ibrahim, a Retired Permanent Secretary, writes from Lokoja.
