Clamping down on corrupt judges

The department of State security (DSS) on Friday, raided the homes of Justice of the supreme Court and judges of high court accused of corruption and professional misconduct. As reported by many print and online media, the DSS operatives stormed the residents of these suspected judges in Abuja, Rivers and Gombe state respectively. The clamping up of the judges is long awaited and did not come to Nigerians as surprise. The judiciary which is supposed to be the last hope of the common man has become cog in the wheels of our justice system. The action or inaction of these corrupt judges have over the years slowed quick dispensation of Justice, promoted corruption and breed disharmony in the country. It has also robbed the courts of their main constitutional duties.

It amazed and shocked every right thinking Nigerians to have discovered the huge amount of money found in the residence of these corrupt judges. According to the DSS, the sum of N271.17million was discovered both in local and foreign countries in the houses of three judges. How do they turned to bank to keep such huge cash remain unknown. No wonder, these corrupt judges have been living in luxurious lifestyle. The way and manner with which judgment are fraudulently obtained in the country raised suspicions in the mind of Nigerians. These corrupt judges have turned courts into avenue where the highest bidder gets justice. That is why, in recent time, many crooks bought their way to power against the wishes of electorate but with the help of corrupt judges.

Our constitutional democracy can only be strengthened and survived if the judiciary has rid itself from the cancer of corruption. In a situation in which the justice and judges can fraudulent past judgment in favour of money bags politician or criminals negate the very essence of their existence. The war against corruption in the country can only be achieved with freeridden justice system.

Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua, Kaduna state.