'It's Bribe' — Baba-Ahmed Knocks Tinubu's House Gift To Nigerian Judges

A former senator who represented Kaduna Central, Senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, popularly known as Baba-Ahmed, has described the reported gift of houses to Nigerian judges by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration as nothing short of a bribe capable of compromising the independence of the judiciary.

Baba-Ahmed, a known critic and outspoken political figure, faulted the gesture, warning that such a move could undermine the integrity, neutrality, and independence of the judiciary, which he described as the last hope of the common man.

According to him, providing such gifts to serving judges raises serious ethical concerns and could create a situation where the judiciary becomes beholden to the executive arm of government, thereby compromising its ability to dispense justice without fear or favour.

"Let us call it what it is. It is a bribe. You cannot be giving houses to judges who are supposed to sit in judgment over cases that may involve the same government giving them those houses. It compromises their independence," Baba-Ahmed stated.

He argued that the welfare of judges and other judicial officers should be addressed through proper, transparent, and institutional means, such as improved salaries, allowances, and pensions backed by law, rather than through gifts that could raise suspicions of inducement.

The former senator stressed that the independence of the judiciary is fundamental to the survival of democracy, warning that any action capable of eroding public confidence in the judiciary should be avoided.

He expressed concern that such gestures could erode the trust of Nigerians in the justice system, particularly in cases involving the government, political office holders, and matters of public interest.

Baba-Ahmed called on the judiciary and relevant stakeholders to be wary of actions that could compromise the integrity and credibility of the third arm of government, urging them to uphold the principles of fairness, neutrality, and impartiality at all times.

He further appealed to the government to channel its resources towards strengthening judicial institutions and improving the working conditions of judicial officers through legitimate and transparent processes.

The remarks have continued to generate reactions across the country, with some Nigerians agreeing with Baba-Ahmed's position, while others argued that improving the welfare of judges is a legitimate way of enhancing the efficiency of the judiciary.

The issue of judicial welfare and independence has remained a recurring subject of national discourse, with stakeholders consistently calling for measures that would insulate the judiciary from undue influence by other arms of government.

As the debate continues, calls have intensified for greater transparency and adherence to constitutional and ethical standards in matters relating to the welfare and independence of the judiciary.