Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — A stakeholder and human rights lawyer, John Martin Aikpokpo, has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s compromised judicial system, as stakeholders at a Port Harcourt forum lamented that oil-producing communities increasingly seek justice abroad due to lack of trust in Nigerian courts.
Aikpokpo, who is a former first Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association, warned that Nigeria’s failure to enforce judgments risks pushing the country into lawlessness.
He spoke in Port Harcourt, exclusively to SweetcrudeReports on the sidelines of the public presentation of report by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, on strategic litigation for social justice in the Niger Delta.
“Unfortunately, even when the court gives judgments, our government agencies do not respect these judgments and that means we’re gradually moving towards anarchy,” Aikpokpo said.
“Once people get justice in the court there will be no need for them to protest or carry arms.”
He accused the system of being riddled with corruption, particularly when oil companies are involved.
“Communities take IOCs to court in Nigeria and they don’t get justice but get justice in courts abroad. So much money passes through the back. A lot of persons don’t get justice, technicalities and other things will get the matter stuck in court for decades.”
Aikpokpo added: “Communities get justice abroad because the system there is not compromised, justice moves as smooth as possible, just like we saw the swift sentencing of Simon Ekpa in Finland. But here in Nigeria we are a compromised people.”
The legal expert also blamed political interference in judicial appointments. “For as long as politicians have a say on who to appoint as judges, the Nigerian judicial system will never be cleansed,” he said.
Stakeholder at the event warn that the reliance on foreign courts not only undermines Nigeria’s judiciary but also deters investments in the oil and gas industry, as operators face unpredictable liabilities abroad.
