Chief Justice Par Slams Nigerian Judiciary, Government, and Leadership in Wide-Ranging Critique
In a powerful and passionate monologue, a self-proclaimed "international criminal lawyer" known as Chief Justice Par launched a scathing attack on the Nigerian government, judiciary, and society. The Speaker addressed multiple high-profile issues, expressing frustration and distrust in the country's institutions.
Allegations of Corruption in the Judiciary
Chief Justice Par's most pointed criticism was directed at the Nigerian judicial system. He recounted a legal case involving a pastor, claiming that the bail amount was reduced from an initial ₦500 million (half a billion naira) to a mere ₦5 million. He questioned the logic of this decision, asking, "Which mathematics be this?" and accused the judge of corruption. He cited a specific judge he referred to as "Justice Beybody" and alleged that any case handled by this judge, particularly one involving a pastor, is likely to be lost. He further claimed that a case of a 14-year-old being allegedly raped was not treated as a "bailable offense" but was handled with police complicity, hindering the pursuit of justice.
Critique of Edo State Government's Priorities
Commenting on a recent raid on commercial sex workers in Benin City by the Edo State government and the Edo State Migration Agency (EDMA), the speaker questioned the government's priorities. He argued that the government should focus on more pressing issues like insecurity and kidnapping, rather than "disgracing" and "parading" these women. He also called on the government to compensate the victims and provide better facilities for them, suggesting that they are performing a necessary social function by "cooling people down" and should be regulated rather than persecuted.
Controversy Over Lagos Airport Renovation
The speaker expressed disbelief and anger over the government's reported plan to spend ₦700 billion to renovate the Lagos airport. He contrasted this figure with the cost of a new airport in Ghana, which he claimed was built for around $200 million. He argued that the proposed cost for a renovation in Nigeria was exorbitant and called for public monitoring of the project. He also described the poor state of the current airport, criticizing its outdated design, lack of functional amenities like lifts, and the prevalence of begging and corrupt officials like customs and immigration officers.
Condemnation of Early Political Campaigns
In a segment on Nigerian politics, Chief Justice Par condemned politicians who have already begun campaigning for the 2027 general election, stating that it is "totally illegal" and "diversionary." He cited the Electoral Act of 2022, which he claimed forbids campaigning two years ahead of an election. He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enforce this law and urged Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable for delivering governance rather than engaging in premature politicking.
Skepticism of Prophetic Pastors
Finally, the speaker touched on the issue of prophetic pastors, advocating for a law that would allow individuals to sue them for damages if their visions cause them panic or distress. He argued that visions are not absolute and can be changed, and that some pastors misbehave by using their visions to create fear and sow discord among families and friends for entertainment purposes.
