- Says justice in Nigeria only accessible to politicians, elite
Activist-lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has said the detention of the leader of proscribed Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, should be resolved out of court.
The senior lawyer described Kanu’s case as a political matter, adding that it should be resolved outside the courtroom.
Falana spoke in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, while addressing journalists during a visit to Governor Alex Otti.
“I cannot comment on pending proceedings. You understand me? Like you said, the case was in court today (Wednesday), but I believe that it is a matter that should be sorted out outside the courtroom.
“For me, it’s a political case. And if you have a situation where some governments are negotiating with bandits or other criminal elements, there can be no basis for not having that matter resolved politically,” he said.
Falana applauded the various landmark achievements of Abia State governor, Alex Otti, in just two years and a few months in office.
The lawyer said he was in the State to defend a client and decided to visit the governor before his appearance in court.
Falana, who said he has been familiar with the affairs of Abia State since 1999, praised Otti for providing good roads, schools, hospitals and other infrastructure.
The lawyer said he had seen signs of good governance more than ever before in the State.
“I’m familiar with the entire country. I’m familiar with the affairs of Abia State. I’ve been coming here since the inauguration of the civilian government, since 1999.
“I can say without any fear of contradiction that I’ve seen signs of governance, which were not there before. I’ve seen evidence of physical development.
“I’ve gone around. I’ve seen good roads, I’ve seen good schools, and hospitals. I am very confident that the governor can do much more than he has done. He owes some of us a duty to ensure that he does not disappoint.
“I’ve also spoken to people. It’s not enough to go around and see physical development without finding out from the people how they are faring. I’ve heard very positive comments from the people,” he said.
Falana announced that part of his discussions with Otti was how to intensify his efforts and ensure that the people remain the centre-piece of his administration.
The lawyer stressed that the people must benefit from the dividends of democracy.
Commenting on the ongoing judicial reforms, the activist-lawyer regretted the lack of access to justice for the common man and made a case for the promotion of alternative dispute resolution.
He regretted that justice is only accessible to politicians and the elites in Nigeria.
“Right now, we have a lot of access to justice by the politicians. Only their cases move in court because political cases are time-bound.
“Other cases, for me, must be time-bound. People make the mistake of saying that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man. The common man has no means to go to court. The judiciary is the last hope of the elite.
“So, if you want the ordinary people to benefit from the judicial system, you must promote alternative dispute resolution. The majority of our people do not go to the Western courts. They patronise traditional rulers and community leaders to resolve problems.
“So, the governments of our country, including that of Abia State, must also reform the customary courts and palaces of traditional rulers, where our people have daily access to resolve their disputes.
“If people have confidence in their community leaders to dispense justice, we must promote such fora.
“I would call on the governments of Nigeria to pay more attention to the traditional judicial system. It’s not enough to satisfy the elite.”