EXPOSED… How rich Nigerians get court judgements

Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan (APC, Yobe North), on Thursday, alleged that most court judgements in Nigeria are being bought by the rich.

Lawan made the allegation during the screening of President Muhammadu Buhari’s nominee for the position of President, Customary Court of Appeal, FCT Abuja, Justice Musa Abubakar Sadiq during plenary

It all started when Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the session, read Buhari’s letter seeking the approval of the Senate for the nomination.

Ekweremadu had opened the floor for questioning but none of the lawmakers asked the nominee a question.

First to speak were  Senators  Shehu Sani (PRP, Kaduna Central) and  Barau Jibrin (APC  Kano North) who both praised Justice Sadiq for what they described as his ‘befitting’ resume and ‘competence.’

However the Senate Leader in his contribution said the Judiciary is expected by Nigerians to be firm, to be fare, to be committed to those ideals that the founding fathers of the country worked and died for.

He said: “Ours is a society where people who have so much money buy judgements. I think that is not the type of society that we want.

“We want a society where those at the lowest line; the vulnerable, the disadvantage can go to courts and get judgement because they deserve to get those judgements regardless of their socio-economic status.

“So I want to pray for you and for all of us that this nomination that we are going to confirm by the grace of God will be a blessing and an additional advantage to the judiciary and the l people of this great country.”

Speaking on the magnanimity of the senators to bend some of the rules for the speedy confirmation, Lawan said, “This is a very clear demonstration of how the three arms of Government can work cordially and productively.

“We have by this action suspended our rules in the interest of the people of this country and the judiciary.

“So I believe that there is sense in trying to all the time ensure that we work in a cordial manner. We have given the judiciary something in the interest of the country.”

In what could be referred as record time confirmation, the lawmakers, after standing down their rules to accommodate the nominee’s confirmation, did not ask the nominee any question as is usually the case.

The President’s letter reads: “Pursuant to section 266(4) of the 1999 constitution as amended and upon the advice of the National Judicial Council, I hereby present for confirmation, by the Senate, the appointment of Justice Abaze Abubakar Musa Sadiq, as the president Customary Court of Appeal, FCT Abuja.

“While hoping that this appointment will be expeditiously considered and confirmed by the distinguish Senate, please accept Mr Senate President the assurances of my highest consideration.”