The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Gombe State has initiated a week-long boycott of all court proceedings to protest the persistent neglect of judges’ and judicial workers’ welfare and the deteriorating state of the judiciary. This drastic action underscores the growing concerns over the erosion of judicial independence and integrity, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention to revamp the system. The NBA Chairman, Barrister Benjamin Sati, described the Gombe judiciary as “structurally weak and functionally incapacitated,” emphasizing the deplorable working conditions of judicial officers. The boycott, which began on Monday and is scheduled to last until Sunday, June 6th, aims to bring these critical issues to the forefront and compel the government to address them.
The core of the protest revolves around the stark disparity in the treatment of judicial officers compared to their counterparts in the executive and legislative branches. While the latter receive new official vehicles every four years, judges and magistrates are left with outdated and often unreliable transportation. Some judges are still using vehicles procured in 2010, while magistrates resort to commercial motorcycles or public buses, sometimes sharing rides with the very individuals they are prosecuting. This disparity, according to the NBA, not only reflects a disregard for the judiciary but also undermines its authority and independence. The boycott is not an act of defiance, but a necessary measure to defend the rule of law, as a compromised judiciary cannot effectively administer justice.
The NBA’s concerns extend beyond the immediate welfare of judicial officers. The inadequate funding and support for the judiciary create an environment conducive to corruption. Judges and magistrates, holding the power to detain or release citizens, are vulnerable to undue influence if their basic needs are not met. This compromised position threatens the integrity of the justice system and erodes public trust in its impartiality. The NBA argues that investing in the welfare of judicial officers is not merely a matter of comfort, but a crucial step in safeguarding the principles of justice and fairness.
Despite repeated attempts, the NBA has been unable to secure a meeting with the Gombe State Governor to formally present their concerns. This lack of engagement further underscores the government’s perceived indifference towards the plight of the judiciary. The NBA’s repeated attempts to initiate dialogue have been met with silence, highlighting the communication breakdown between the government and a vital arm of the state. This lack of communication hinders the possibility of collaborative solutions and exacerbates the already strained relationship.
While acknowledging the government’s recent efforts to construct a new high court complex, lauded as one of the most modern in the country, the NBA maintains that physical infrastructure alone cannot address the systemic issues plaguing the judiciary. Modern facilities, though welcome, do not compensate for the deplorable working conditions and inadequate welfare provisions that undermine the judiciary’s effectiveness. The NBA emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that addresses both infrastructural and human resource needs.
The Gombe State Ministry of Justice and the office of the Chief Judge have yet to respond officially to the NBA’s boycott. The state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Zubairu Umar, through the Solicitor-General, Muhammad Ismail, declined to comment on the matter, stating an unwillingness to “join issues with the NBA.” This lack of official response further underscores the communication gap and the apparent unwillingness to address the concerns raised by the legal profession. The silence from key government officials leaves the NBA’s grievances unanswered and the future of the judicial system in Gombe State uncertain.
