Judiciary not to blame for political turmoil – High Chief Loyibo

A senior member of the bar, High Chief Mike Loyibo, has come to the defence of Nigeria’s judiciary, dismissing claims that conflicting court judgments are fueling the country’s political instability.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday, shortly after the commissioning of the new office of his law firm, M.E. Loyibo & Company, by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Loyibo absolved both the bar and the bench of any blame.

He emphasized that judicial decisions are rooted strictly in the facts presented during court proceedings, not public opinion.

Asked about perceptions of conflicting judgments and what the judiciary could do to redeem its image, Loyibo responded, “I don’t think that accusation is correct. Some of you in the media who accuse the judiciary, do not have the facts of the matter.

“Judgement is given depending on what was presented to the court. You cannot stay from the outside with the media perspective that the judiciary is always corrupt.

“We were all alive when Peter Obi, under President Obasanjo, won his case in the Supreme Court and was returned as the governor of Anambra State. So when judgement does not favour you, the judiciary is accused.

“Judgement is served based on the facts of the matter. It is not what is presented in public places. The law itself is based on facts.”

On his broader assessment of the justice system, Loyibo acknowledged the need for reforms.”The Nigerian judicial system is not there yet. There are a lot of reforms that are going on to make it a perfect institution, he stated.”

In his remarks during the commissioning, APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, urged politicians to embrace lawful methods for resolving disputes, particularly as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.

According to him, political litigations are an unavoidable aspect of the electoral process.

Ganduje also charged the newly commissioned law firm to be a defender of the ordinary Nigerian and a beacon of justice.

In his words, “From primary to the election period and other political activities, I know politicians are conversant with litigations, they should seek solution to any dispute through lawful means.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Senator Ned Nwoko representing Delta Central and other APC chieftains from Delta State.