Lack of credibility in the Judicial system – Olushola Babatunde Senbanjo

By Otunba Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo (BOS)

The delay by the Supreme Court of Nigeria to hear the emergency case regarding the Rivers State local government elections is deeply troubling. It reflects a worrying trend in our judicial system. At a time when the nation is grappling with serious concerns over the credibility and fairness of the elections, the Supreme Court’s hesitation to promptly intervene sends a disheartening message to citizens who are looking to the judiciary as the last bastion of justice and constitutional protection.

Our judicial system, which is supposed to be an impartial arbiter and protector of the constitutional rights of every Nigerian, is increasingly perceived as falling short of its sacred duties. The repeated delays, adjournments, and seeming indecision undermine the public’s confidence in the courts. The people’s constitutional right to timely justice is being compromised, and this is unacceptable.

Elections are the foundation of democratic governance, and when controversies and disputes arise, especially in sensitive states like Rivers, the judiciary must act swiftly to uphold the rule of law and ensure that the electoral process is transparent and fair. Yet, what we witness instead is a sluggish legal response that only fuels suspicion and frustration among the electorate.

This pattern of judicial delay is not an isolated incident; it has become a recurring theme in our political and electoral disputes. It raises serious questions about the independence of the judiciary, the influence of political actors, and the overall health of our democracy. Citizens are tired of seeing their rights trampled upon, tired of the endless cycles of legal battles that drag on without resolution, and tired of feeling powerless in the face of systemic failures.

We call on the Supreme Court and the entire judiciary to reflect deeply on their role and responsibilities. The Nigerian people deserve a judicial system that is timely, fair, and unyielding in the protection of their constitutional rights. The delay in the Rivers State emergency case is not just a procedural issue; it is a matter of justice and democracy at stake.

It is high time that the judiciary acts decisively, transparently, and with the urgency that the situation demands. Anything less is a disservice to the Nigerian people and the democratic ideals we all cherish. We demand accountability, we demand respect for the Constitution, and most importantly, we demand justice without further delay.