Appraisal of Existing Frameworks on Judicial Independence in Nigeria

Authors

  • Ishmael U. Gwunireama University of Port Harcourt

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25273/ay.v2i1.11951

Keywords:

Nigeria, Legal framework, Judiciary, National Judicial Council (NJC)

Abstract

Frameworks enhance the independence of the judiciary. Thus, there are different types of frameworks on the independence of the judiciary: legal and institutional. These are subjected to examination to bring them in line with current realities. This has necessitated the volume of pieces of literature proposing frameworks for reforms. Thus, in addition to the legal and institutional frameworks is the textual framework. The legal frameworks cover legislative enactments like the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999(as amended), institutional frameworks like the regulations handed down by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and textual frameworks which are academic works of scholars, jurists and legal practitioners. This paper undertook an appraisal these frameworks and made proposals, like an amendment to s. 271 CFRN 1999, for further reforms, towards enhancing judicial impendence in Nigeria and aligning it with international standards.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Adangor, Z. (2015). Depoliticising the Appointment of the Chief Judge of a State in Nigeria: Lessons from the Crisis over the Appointment of the Chief Judge of Rivers State of Nigeria. JL Pol'y & Globalization, 44, 62.

Caracciolo, I. (2021). UN Actions and Programs in Safeguarding the Independence of Judges. In The Rule of Law in Europe (pp. 111-135). Springer, Cham.

Eso, K., & Yakubu, J. A. (2003). Further thoughts on law and jurisprudence. Spectrum Law Publishing.

High Commissioner for Human Rights, Centre for Human Rights, Geneva Staff. (2003). Human Rights in the Administration of Justice: A Manual on Human Rights for Judges, Prosecutors and Lawyers. United Nations Publications.

Joelson, M. R. (2015). A Critique of the 2014 International Bar Association Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest in International Arbitration. Am Rev Int Arbitr, 26(3), 483-492.

Joshua, S. A. (2014). The Provisions of 1999 Constitution of Nigeria on Appointment, Discipline and Removal of Judicial Officers and Implications for an Effective and Independent Judiciary. JL Pol'y & Globalization, 28, 170.

Mowoe, K. M. (2008). Constitutional Law in Nigeria. Lagos: Malthouse Press.

Nwabueze, B. O. (1993). Ideas and Facts in Constitution Making. Ibadan: Spectrum Books.

Ononye, I. U., Oguekwe, U. D., & Oguekwe, A. U. (2020). INDEPENDENCE OF THE JUDICIARY: THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Journal of Public and Private Law, 10.

Onuigbo, R. A., & Eme, O. I. (2015). Analyses of legal frameworks for fighting corruption in Nigeria: problems and challenges. Kuwait Chapter of the Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review, 5(3), 1.

Salawu, O. (2013). ‘Judicial Independence and Rule of Law in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: A Critical Review’ in Nigeria Judiciary: Contemporary Issues in Administration of Justice: Essays in Honour of Hon Justice Isa Ayo salami. Ilorin: UNIILORIN Press.

Stromberg, R. N. (2015). Democracy: A Short, Analytical History: A Short, Analytical History. Routledge.

Udemezue, S. (2021). Legitimate Confines of Powers of the National Judicial Council in Appointment of Substantive Chief Judges for States in Nigeria: Gombe State as a Case Study. Available at SSRN 3889087.

Yusuf, F. A. O. (Ed.). (2006). The Nigerian Judiciary: Perspectives & Profile. FHL Publishers.

CONSTITUTION

Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended)

Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1979

Constitution of the United States of America 1787

Constitution of the Federal Republic of South Africa 1996

CASES

A.G. Abia Sta te v. A. G. Federation (2002- 2007) LLRN 1260 at 1338

A.G. Federation v. Abubakar (2007) Vol. 6 M.J.S.C. 1

A.G. Ondo State v. A.G. Federation (2002) 9 NWLR (Pt. 772)222

A.G. Cross Rivers State v. Esin, (1991) 6 NWLR (Pt. 197)365

A.G. Lagos State v. A.G. Federation (2005) Vol. 1 M.J.S.C. 1

Action Congress (AC) v. INEC (2007) 10 M.J.S.C 125

Elelu Habeet v. Attorney General of Federation (2012)13 NWLR (Pt. 1318)423

Miscellaneous Offences Tribunal v. Okoroafor (2001)8 NWLR (Pt. 745) 295

Nkedilim v Madukulo(1962)2 SCNLR 34; (1962)1 All NLR 587

Rivers State Governmentv The National Judicial Council (unreported) Suit No FHC/PH/CS/421/20113 delivered on the 18th day of March 2013 per Hon Justice Lambo Akanbi

CASES FROM OTHER JURISDICTIONS

Evans v. Gore (1920) 253 U.S. 245

Miles v. Graham (1925) 265 U.S. 501

Downloads

Published

2022-02-01

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2022)

Section

Articles

License

Authors who publish this journal agree to the following terms:

  1. Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
  2. Authors can separately make additional contractual arrangements for non-exclusive distribution published by the journal (e.g., publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
  3. Authors are allowed and encouraged to send their work via online (e.g., in the institutional repositories or their website) after published by the journal.