By: Dr. Osahon Aikoriogie Edoimioya.
Justice is the foundation upon which every civilised society is built. The temple of Justice is expected to be the last hope of the common man, a sanctuary where truth prevails, rights are protected, and the powerful and powerless stand equal before the law.
However, when the temple of Justice is perceived to be biased, selective, compromised or influenced by external interests, the consequences extend far beyond the courtroom. It becomes a threat to public confidence, democratic stability and the very foundation of the rule of law.
The greatest danger to any judicial institution is not necessarily an unfavourable judgment, but the growing perception that justice is no longer blindfolded, that the scales are tilted in favour of the privileged, and that access to justice depends on one’s political influence, economic status or social connections.
The common man does not demand preferential treatment; he demands equal treatment. He does not expect the judiciary to favour his interest; he expects the law to protect his rights without fear or favour.
A judiciary must not only be independent but must also be seen to be independent. Public confidence is sustained not merely by the correctness of judicial decisions but also by the transparency, impartiality and integrity of the processes through which those decisions are reached.
When citizens begin to lose faith in the courts, they may gradually lose faith in peaceful dispute resolution, constitutional governance and democratic institutions. Such a development creates room for resentment, lawlessness and the dangerous temptation to seek alternatives outside established legal structures.
This is why judicial accountability, professional ethics, institutional independence and public confidence must remain non-negotiable. Judges must be protected from intimidation, political interference and undue influence, while judicial conduct must continually reflect the highest standards of integrity.
The temple of Justice must never become a marketplace where influence competes with truth or where the weight of one’s pocket determines the weight of one’s rights.
Ultimately, justice must not only be done; it must be manifestly and unmistakably seen to be done.
For when the common man begins to perceive the temple of Justice as biased, the injury is not merely to an individual litigant; it is an injury to the collective conscience of society.
A nation can survive political disagreements, economic hardship and institutional challenges, but it cannot sustainably thrive when its citizens lose confidence in the institution entrusted with defending their rights and delivering justice.
Justice must remain the common quiver from which every citizen, irrespective of status, draws equal protection under the law.
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