By Bayo Akinlade Esq 

Some people get the wrong idea about lawyers working in government and this is totally understandable because our Government and people working therein rarely build confidence in the citizenry.

I have been critical about the judiciary and the NBA but mostly as institutions and not as the individuals who are in the system or at the helm of it’s leadership/affairs (even though I do make the once in awhile reference to individuals who occupy leadership positions therein).

I am aware that lawyers in the judiciary (Judges, Magistrates, customary court presidents, khadis etc) have a lot of challenges facing them. Ranging from their work environment to their welfare. These challenges overwhelm some while some others have risen above them by either staying true to their calling or submitting to the corruption within.

Lawyers in the Judiciary have a great burden foist upon them. Their role is one which only God has the sovereignty over, yet men have decided to donate that power to them.

Our colleagues in the Judiciary are isolated, vindicated, targeted and victimized in more ways I can imagine.

There is a lot of politics within and outside the judiciary that impacts on its activities and it’s independence. YES, some of them are corrupt or corrupted but a few are resolved in doing justice even though sometimes it seems that justice is not done.

One may ask then, what is Justice? When it comes to the courts, one person must win while the other loose (though not that straight forward) but someone will always have a complaint or the other, as each have a different sense of what justice is.

The judiciary has no doubt been marginalized in this country. The Nigerian Bar Association which supplies the 3rd arm of government the manpower to populate the judiciary has more or less done little or nothing to protect it’s members on the Bench or by extension in public service.

Why do we have a judiciary that still relies on the old ways of doing things? Why is change so slow in this arm of government? Why is judiciary so backward and so adverse to change by utilizing technology?

Why is it so difficulty to have constitutional amendments with regards the judiciary even though lawyers are present in every sphere of government and industry?

Why is it difficult for the CJN, NJC and respective Chief Judges to effect change in our Administration of Justice systems.

Why are the Senior Advocates of Nigeria, very senior lawyers, NBA Chairmen and Bar leaders so docile and incapable of making substantial changes to how the justice system operates?

Our colleagues at the bench have made great sacrifices to lead a selfless life and professional career….the least we can do is to support and empower them.

We may criticize them but we must not neglect them or try to help in ensuring that they attain great strides.

The judiciary is an integral part of our economy and for this we must do our best to make it work.

I call on all lawyers and the NBA to start thinking positively about the Judiciary. We need to encourage them whilst we ensure that we root out corruption from within it.

Available at Frank Agbedo & Co. Crown Chambers. 5th floor, left wing, Nipost Building, Lagos Island, Lagos State. Tel: 08033254471, 09077950432 Email: frankagbedo@gmail.com