Date Published: 01/15/10

NIGERIANS SAY NO TO KANGAROO JUDGEMENT IN 2010. By FIDEL BOBBY

There are many unresolved problems in Nigeria , but the issue of corruption is not only troubling but Herculean. The damage it has done is so terrifically terrible. Corruption is a behavior which deviates from the formal duties of a public role, because of private gains.
 
This definition includes such behavior as bribery, use of reward to prevent the judgment of a person in a position of trust. Corruption is an anti-social behavior conferring improper benefits contrary to legal and moral norms, and which undermine the authorities to improve the living conditions of the people.
 
For war against corruption to move forward, justice must be given special attention. The court is considered legal and legitimate. But some corrupt judges in country have exhibited the characteristics of the kangaroo as found in kangaroo courts. Kangaroo court may be a court that had its integrity compromised or a tribunal that violated established legal procedure, a dishonest or incompetent court of law.
 
Thus people like Justice Marcel Awokulehin who presided over the case of the former governor of Delta state James Ibori and granted a kangaroo judgment should be shown the way out in 2010. They should not be allowed to preside over corrupt cases in this special year 2010.It will be wise if the Nigerian Judiciary council (NJC) work in tandem with the anti -graft agencies to ensure that only judges with proven integrity are allowed to sit or preside over corrupt case
 
Judges should remember that the good name of individuals and of this noble country lies in their hands and that a good name is far better than riches. They should do their best to keep their integrity so that 2010 will be a tough year for all corrupt Nigerians, like our dear brother Bode, any one caught in corrupt practices should be sent to prison to serve punishment. The Judges must be proactive to convict when and where such convictions are warranted, acquit where the law requires this to be done.

We all know fully well that Ibori is guilty of the 170 count charges leveled against him, but Justice Marcel Awokulehin, of the FHC Asaba delivered a kangaroo judgment in favour of Ibori just to please his master AGF.
 
Ibori’s case is the perfect opportunity for Nigeria to prove that it is tough on crime. The legal system should be allowed to deal with this case with little to no intervention from Aondoakaa, Yar'Adua or their 'masters'. If that happens, this case will set the example for others who have stolen money or used their positions to enrich themselves and will make them willing to cooperate with authorities.
 
 Now that EFCC has shown interest for the matter to be retried, it will be wise and proper to give them all the attention and support they desire and allow justice take its place especially at this critical time in our country when the judiciary is praised for delivering fearless judgment against the corrupt in the society.
 
Thus in order to have a corruption free nation, the judiciary must stand bold and fearless of any one caught in corrupt practices and allow justice to be passed or else this nation will forever remain in the dark with a bad name.
 
The NJC should please do something to the petition against Justice Marcel with all seriousness as that is the only way a message will be passed to all judicial officers across the country.
 
FIDEL BOBBY
ZARIA