Chidi Odinkalu, a prominent lawyer and human rights activist, has expressed deep concern about the alarming trend of judges and politicians in Nigeria fostering a cosy relationship, which is steadily eroding trust in the country’s democratic institutions.
News About Nigeria reports that this disturbing phenomenon, is a result of politicians prioritising the gifting of luxury vehicles to their allies over investing in essential public infrastructure such as hospitals and schools.
Odinkalu’s remarks, made during an appearance on Channels Television’s “Inside Sources” programme, highlighted the need for genuine democratic reforms that prioritise strengthening and overhauling critical institutions like the electoral commission, judiciary, and anti-corruption bodies.
He emphasised the importance of ensuring these institutions’ autonomy and efficiency to restore trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
The activist’s criticism was aimed at the practice of politicians using public funds to purchase luxury vehicles for various groups, including Catholic priests, senators, and traditional rulers.
He described this as an “epidemic of crass acquisitiveness” that is ridiculous and aggravating.
Odinkalu argued that this behaviour is a means for politicians to enrich themselves, as they take more money into their pockets than they actually give away.
He lamented the lack of essential public infrastructure in Nigeria, forcing citizens to seek private healthcare and education overseas.
He also said that this is a result of politicians shifting their focus from winning public support to influencing judges through luxury gifts, thereby undermining the democratic process.
The lawyer stressed that true democratic reforms must begin with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary, and anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
He expressed concern about the recent swearing-in of new judges and justices, attended by numerous state governors and senior politicians, which he sees as a deliberate attempt to curry favour with the judiciary.
He warned that if these institutions fail, it will be impossible to save Nigeria from destitution.
