Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has delivered a powerful critique on the state of the country’s judicial system, stating that the phrase “go to court” has now become a mockery of both justice and democracy in Nigeria. His comments came during a recent public address where he underscored the erosion of trust in the judiciary and the worsening state of democratic institutions in the country.
Obasanjo, a respected figure in Nigerian politics, expressed deep concern about the increasing politicization of the judiciary and the delay in delivering justice. He noted that many Nigerians, particularly those in positions of power, have turned the courts into a tool for political manipulation rather than an institution for upholding the rule of law and ensuring fairness.
“The phrase ‘go to court’ is no longer a symbol of justice. Instead, it has become a byword for frustration, delay, and, in some cases, outright injustice,” Obasanjo said. “Our courts are bogged down by a backlog of cases, and justice is often delayed or denied. The political class has hijacked the system, using it to further entrench their own power while undermining the very principles that democracy stands for.”
Obasanjo emphasized that the judiciary, which is supposed to serve as an impartial arbiter, has increasingly become a reflection of the political divisions that plague the country. The former president called for urgent reforms to restore credibility and trust in the Nigerian judicial system.
“The Nigerian people deserve a justice system that is swift, fair, and independent. We cannot continue to allow the courts to be seen as instruments of oppression rather than as institutions dedicated to the protection of rights and the promotion of justice,” he added.
The statement by Obasanjo has sparked widespread reactions from political analysts, legal practitioners, and citizens alike, with many echoing his concerns about the state of democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria. Critics have long pointed out the inefficiencies in the judicial process and the tendency for powerful figures to manipulate legal outcomes in their favor.