Loss of Credibility in our Judicial System for Investors to Thrive – Otunba Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo

By Otunba Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo (BOS)

Truly no one or investors will invest in a country where a President dictates to judges. When the judiciary, which is supposed to be the last hope of the common man, is no longer independent, the nation itself begins to lose credibility both at home and abroad. Investors, whether foreign or local, seek a level playing ground, where disputes can be fairly resolved, contracts can be enforced, and the rule of law prevails. Once the judiciary becomes an extension of the executive, it means that justice is no longer guaranteed, and decisions can be manipulated to favour those in power rather than what is right.

This kind of act weakens the country’s growth and development because it erodes trust in institutions. No serious businessperson will bring hard-earned money into an environment where the courts are not neutral. They fear that in the event of a dispute, they will not get justice, but rather face political interference. That fear alone drives capital away, discourages entrepreneurship, and blocks international partnerships.

Beyond investment, a judiciary under the control of a president kills democracy itself. It silences opposition voices, empowers corruption, and encourages abuse of power. Instead of checks and balances, you now have a system of total dominance, where one man’s word overrides the Constitution. And once the constitution is undermined, the very foundation of governance collapses.

A country grows when its institutions are stronger than individuals, when the rule of law protects every citizen equally, and when leaders understand that power must be exercised within limits. But when a president dictates to judges, he is not only attacking democracy but also strangling the economy, stifling growth, and pushing the country deeper into poverty.

For Nigeria to rise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has to give and know that the independence of the judiciary must be sacred and untouchable. Without it, justice will be bought, corruption will thrive, investments will flee, and development will remain a mirage. A nation that silences its judges cannot command the respect of its people, nor the trust of the world.