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The Bible society of Nigeria has called for a total overhaul of the judicial system in Nigeria so as to rid it of corruption that has bedeviled it in recent times.
This call came to fore during the just concluded 2017 edition of the society’s NYSC Essay Writing Competition and National Symposium which took place in Lagos recently.
Speaking on this year’s theme: “The Incorruptible Judiciary as a catalyst for an equitable and progressive society,” the Chairman of the occasion and former provost Lagos University College of Medicine,Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya, said that Nigerian judges must rise to the occasion and see themselves as key stakeholders who must strive to be incorruptible in the discharge of their duties. He said,
“When the judiciary is seen to compromise in delivering judgement, the citizens loose confidence in the system.”
Corroborating the chairman, the National President of the Bible Society, Reverend Aaron Nuhu, said, that without a responsive judiciary, the society does not get judgement. Taking scriptural reference from the book of Amos 5:12, he emphasized that God is totally opposed to a corrupt judiciary.
“Until the judiciary becomes independent of the executive and the legislative arm of government in Nigeria, it is bound to be corrupt” Nuhu said.
During the essay paper presentation segment of the event, the six National Youth Service Corpse finalist who spoke passionately on the theme did not agree less saying coruption has eaten deep into the fabric of the Nigeria society.
According to one of the NYSC participants, Peter Imokhai, he said respect for the rule of law and fair hearing started from the garden of Eden during the fall of Adam and Eve. Imokhai said as Nigerians, we must go back to the bible and relearn the basics of responsible justice system.
The eventual winner of the competition, Tobi Alabi, also stated that Justice must be seen to be done in the open and not discharged in secret. He sighted some case studies in other climes and how such society has progressed due to a sane justice system. Alabi further emphasised that the renumeration of Nigerian judges should be given a boost so that they do not compromise.
The symposium was attended by many dignatories amongst them are; Dr. Dare Ajiboye, the executive secretary of the Bible Society, the Lagos representative of NYSC, Director of Mobilization, Mrs. Winifred Sokpeka, the representatrive of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State and many more.
Story by: Yinka Padonu
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