Chukwuka Ikwuazom, SAN, today attended the Law Week of the NBA Minna Branch. As the Chairman of the NBA Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC) and former Chairman of NBA Lagos Branch, the learned silk’s attendance added colour to the event.
The Law Week, themed “Moving Forward: Harmonising Judicial Independence for Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria,” provided a platform for legal minds to deliberate on the crucial role of an independent judiciary in upholding democracy. In his intervention as a member of the panel that discussed the keynote address presented by a former Governor of Niger State, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, Mr. Ikwuazom noted the strong nexus between a strong and independent Judiciary and sustainable democracy. According to the Learned Silk, the essentials of democracy such as the rule of law, separation of powers, the protection of fundamental rights, free, fair and credible elections and protection of minority rights cannot be achieved without a strong, virile and independent Judiciary. He called for the overhaul of the process of appointment of judges and the insulation of judicial appointments from political interference. Mr. Ikwuazom while urging the legal profession to continue to push for full financial autonomy for the Judiciary also demnaded accountability from the managers of the resources of the Judiciary. He called for the separation of the disparate functions of justice administration and the administration of the courts.
Earlier in his goodwill message to the Minna Branch, Mr. Ikwuazom had emphasized the significance of judicial independence in ensuring a fair and just society.
“In a world where the delicate balance of justice is increasingly under scrutiny, the role of an independent judiciary becomes all the more critical in upholding the tenets of democracy,” remarked the Learned Silk. “Judicial independence ensures that the rule of law prevails over the whims of the powerful, and that every citizen can have unwavering confidence in the impartiality and integrity of our legal system.”
Drawing from his extensive experience in leadership within the NBA, Mr. Ikwuazom underscored the importance of fostering dialogue, facilitating learning, and promoting collaboration towards achieving these noble objectives. He expressed confidence that the discussions and insights shared during the Law Week would significantly contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s judicial system.
Mr. Ikwuazom reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the cause of judicial independence and democracy in Nigeria. His unwavering dedication to promoting the rule of law continues to make a profound impact on the legal community and society at large.