THE Chairperson of Panel 2 of the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Kano, Justice Azinge on Tuesday raised the alarm that some lawyers were attempting to bribe judges in her team.
According to her, this was the second time a judge was complaining about how some lawyers prosecuting election matters before her tried to corrupt the system by offering bribes to her and her colleagues.
She stated in the open court on Tuesday that, “money is flying”, adding that “it’s being rumoured that a staff collected N10 million.”
However, she did not elaborate on if the staff who collected the bribe was in her court or another court. She though warned that she would not take kindly with any further attempt to pervert the course of justice through corruption.
“In recent years, allegations of lawyers bribing judges cast shadows over Nigeria’s judicial system, a complex issue that is threatening to erode the public’s trust in the pursuit of justice.
“While it is important to acknowledge that not all lawyers engage in unethical practices, the spectre of judicial corruption remains a concerning challenge that the Nigerian legal community must confront head-on.”
The PUNCH reports that the concept of lawyers bribing judges highlights the intersection of power, ethics, and accountability within the Nigerian legal landscape.
“Corruption within the judiciary undermines the very essence of a fair and impartial legal process, eroding the foundational principles upon which justice is built.
“The consequences are far-reaching, affecting individuals, communities, and the overall integrity of the rule of law.” Reports of lawyers attempting to sway judicial decisions through illicit means underscore the need for comprehensive reforms.”
Source: Punch
Eighteen-Eleven Media