Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olisa Agbakoba has voiced sharp criticism against the current state of the Supreme Court, labeling it as the “worst” in his 45-year legal career.
Agbakoba made these remarks during an event commemorating the 61st birthday of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, attended by prominent political figures, including Bola Tinubu and members of the National Assembly.
Agbakoba disclosed his unsuccessful bid for a position on the Supreme Court bench, attributing his rejection to what he termed a “mafia” faction within the National Judicial Council (NJC).
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) expressed dissatisfaction with the current situation and called for immediate reforms in the country’s judicial system.
During his address, Agbakoba urged the National Assembly to take decisive legislative action, emphasizing the need to differentiate between the administration of justice and judicial administration.
He stressed the necessity for specific laws governing the appointment process for senior judges.
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He stated, “We still mix the administration of justice, which the National Assembly cannot interfere, with judicial administration, which the National Assembly can make laws.
“There should be a law governing the appointment process of senior judges. We can’t leave it to the National Judicial Council. What the constitution says is that once you are 15 years, you are qualified.
“But the National Judicial Council and Supreme Court judges have formed a mafia, and we don’t get there.
“With the greatest respect, this is the worst Supreme Court I have seen in my 45 years of practice.
“It has to change. A challenge for the National Assembly to enact a law that deals with judicial administration.
“I did not say administration of justice; you can’t go there because that is the internal workings of the judiciary, but judicial administration, the national assembly can make laws.
“You pass a law so that I don’t depend on the Chief Justice of Nigeria if I want to be a judge; the law will be passed stating the criteria to become a judge,” Agbakoba concluded.