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The Nigerian Bar Association yesterday warned that
results of the 2011 elections may be negatively affected if corruption
within the judiciary is not effectively tackled.

President of the NBA, Joe Daudu, said this at the
valedictory court session, in honour of Ikechi Ogbuagu as he retires
from the Supreme Court.

“One point is, however, clear, if the warning signal
raised on the issue of corruption is not heeded, jurisdiction may one
day be taken away from regular courts on election matters,” Mr. Daudu
said.

“Seats and offices have therefore been awarded
unmeritorious in the past. The desperation of most Nigerian politicians
knows no bounds. If electoral officials can be influenced to alter
election results, is it Judges and Justices that will not be sought
after for influence?”

Specifically, he said about two weeks ago, the Chief
Justice of Nigeria swore in two additional entrants into the exalted
bench of the apex court and commented on the growing accusations of
corruption levelled against the judiciary by some eminent jurist and
the bar leaders.

“I cannot and do not wish to join issues with your
lordship on the remarks you made thereon. However, when eminent jurists
such as the retired Hon Esho, Hon Akambi and many others charge that
the judiciary is getting irredeemably corrupt; such claims ought to be
taken very seriously.”

Mr. Daudu, said that the CJN served notice of
intention to bring the apex court to its full complement, saying that
it is a good step in the right direction.

“A situation where about 6 Justices will be appointed to the Supreme
Court bench I on behalf of the NBA enjoin your lordship to make history
by making appointments straight from the Bar (i.e. from the rank of
Senior Advocates) from renowned members of the academia, from the court
of Appeal and from deserving members of the rank of Chief Judges of the
High Court bench.”