Dare Babalola
President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s judicial system, warning that conflicting court judgments and growing legal uncertainty are weakening public confidence in the rule of law.
Osigwe made the remarks in a statement posted on X on Saturday following his address at the Law Week of the NBA Anaocha Branch, themed “Justice Delivery and Prevailing Conflicting Judgements: An Imperative for Urgent Judicial Reforms.”
According to him, justice loses its essence when the law becomes unpredictable and inconsistent.
“Justice loses its meaning when the law becomes uncertain. A judiciary that speaks in conflicting voices on similar issues risks eroding public confidence in the courts and weakening the foundation of the rule of law itself,” he said.
The NBA president noted that lawyers and litigants across the country are increasingly facing conflicting judicial pronouncements on similar matters, especially political cases, making it difficult for legal practitioners to properly advise clients.
“This growing inconsistency is making it extremely difficult for legal practitioners to advise clients with certainty on what the law truly is,” Osigwe stated.
He stressed that for society to maintain faith in the courts, the law must remain predictable, consistent and certain, adding that the present trend poses serious concerns for the credibility of the judiciary and the administration of justice.
Osigwe also highlighted the controversy surrounding appeals from decisions of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, saying lawyers sanctioned by the body are often left confused about the proper appellate channel.
“In some instances, the Supreme Court has referred affected lawyers to a non-existent Appeals Committee of the Body of Benchers, thereby creating procedural confusion and avoidable hardship,” he said.
He called for a deliberate shift in judicial attitude and comprehensive reforms to address recurring issues affecting the justice system.
“Our justice system must inspire confidence, not uncertainty,” he added.
Osigwe further commended the NBA Anaocha Branch for selecting what he described as a timely and thought-provoking theme for its Law Week, while congratulating the branch on the successful hosting of the programme.
