OPINION - APGA National Chairman Makes A Case 0n Nigeria's Political Crisis, Judicial Interference, And Developmental Setbacks

 

Written By Nduka Anyanwu 

Nigeria stands at a crossroads—a nation grappling with a deep-rooted political crisis, assumed compromised judiciary, and stalled development. 

These interconnected issues, rooted in poor leadership, corruption, and ethnic tensions, threaten the nation’s stability and progress. According to Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, National Chairman of APGA, addressing these challenges requires urgent and comprehensive reforms to restore trust, uphold the rule of law, and accelerate Nigeria’s development.

Political Crisis and Leadership Failures

At the heart of Nigeria’s woes lies a persistent failure of leadership. Barrister Ezeokenwa laments a history marked by poor governance characterized by a lack of accountability, transparency, and genuine commitment to national growth. Instead of prioritizing policies that foster inclusive development, successive administrations have often engaged in mismanagement, siphoning public resources, and rewarding political cronies. 

This leadership vacuum has cultivated an environment rife with insecurity—banditry, insurgency, and separatist movements have become persistent threats. These security challenges are not isolated incidents but symptoms of deeper political instability fueled by ineffective governance and resource misallocation.

Ethnic tensions further complicate Nigeria’s political landscape. While ethnic identity is an integral aspect of Nigeria’s diverse fabric, its manipulation for political gain—rather than fostering national unity—has often led to violence, marginalization, and resource disputes. 

Barrister Ezeokenwa emphasizes that ethnic divisions are exploited for power and wealth, fueling instability and undermining national cohesion.

Judicial Interference and Erosion of Justice

Equally troubling is the compromised state of Nigeria’s judiciary. Barrister Ezeokenwa warns that the courts are increasingly perceived as politically captured, with many judicial decisions swayed by executive influence.

 This undermines the judiciary’s essential role as a neutral arbiter and protector of citizens’ rights. He highlights that the executive often disregards court rulings, exerting undue influence and stripping courts of their independence. Judges, meanwhile, face challenges including inadequate funding, intimidation, and corruption—hindering their ability to deliver justice fairly and timely.

This erosion of judicial integrity weakens the rule of law—a cornerstone of democratic development. When courts are compromised, impunity flourishes, and citizens lose confidence in institutions meant to uphold justice and accountability.

Developmental Consequences: Trust Deficit and Underdevelopment

The cumulative effect of political instability and judicial interference manifests starkly in Nigeria’s development trajectory. Barrister Ezeokenwa asserts that the nation’s trust in government institutions has plummeted, driven by concerns over corruption, misallocation of resources, and poor service delivery. 

Citizens face inadequate healthcare, unreliable electricity, dilapidated roads, and underfunded education systems. This environment of mistrust and misgovernance perpetuates poverty, high unemployment, and social discontent. The failure to uphold the rule of law further discourages investment, stifles entrepreneurship, and hampers Nigeria’s economic growth.

Moreover, the persistent disregard for court rulings and politicization of justice systems weaken the foundation for sustainable development. Without an independent judiciary that enforces laws fairly, efforts to combat corruption and implement reforms remain superficial, leaving Nigeria vulnerable to ongoing crises.

A Call for Urgent Reforms

Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa urges Nigeria’s leadership and stakeholders to prioritize reforms that restore the independence of the judiciary, promote accountable governance, and foster national unity. He advocates for stronger institutions, transparency in public administration, and a renewed commitment to justice and human rights.

 He emphasizes that Nigeria’s path forward depends on breaking the cycle of misrule, ethnic manipulation, and judicial compromise. Only through genuine reforms can Nigeria overcome its current impasse and realize its true potential as a stable, prosperous, and united nation.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s political crisis and judicial interference are not isolated phenomena but symptomatic of deeper systemic failures. Addressing these challenges requires a collective effort—a national resolve to uphold integrity, justice, and good governance. As Barrister Ezeokenwa passionately asserts, Nigeria’s future hinges on its ability to reform, rebuild trust, and reaffirm its commitment to democratic ideals. 

The time for decisive action is now if Nigeria is to emerge from its current quagmire and forge a path toward sustainable development and lasting peace.