By Tony Okafor
The recent Supreme Court ruling that sacked Edozie Njoku as the national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) marks a significant milestone in the party’s protracted leadership crisis.
Njoku’s forum shopping antics, which involved seeking favourable judgments from various courts, have not only undermined the integrity of the judicial system but also perpetuated confusion within the party ranks.
The Supreme Court’s decision to award N20 million in costs against Njoku for filing a frivolous suit is a clear indication that the judiciary will no longer tolerate such abuse of process.
The phenomenon of forum shopping, where litigants shop for favourable judgments by filing multiple suits in different courts, poses a significant threat to the administration of justice in Nigeria.
This practice not only leads to conflicting judgments but also erodes public confidence in the judiciary.
To guard against this practice, there is a need for judicial reform that promotes transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the administration of justice.
The judiciary must also be proactive in identifying and penalizing instances of forum shopping.
In the case of APGA, the Supreme Court’s ruling has brought much-needed clarity to the party’s leadership crisis.
The judgment is a victory for the rule of law and a reawakening to the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the constitution and promoting democratic governance.
As the party moves forward, it is essential that the leadership and members close ranks and work towards rebuilding and strengthening the party.
APGA must also take concrete steps to address the underlying issues that led to the leadership crisis and ensure that such conflicts do not arise in the future.
The Supreme Court’s ruling in the APGA leadership crisis is a significant step towards promoting the rule of law and safeguarding the integrity of the judicial system.
In conclusion, as the Nigerian judiciary navigates the complexities of its role in the country’s democracy, it is essential that the courts maintain their focus on substantive issues.
The courts should avoid concerning themselves with trifles that do not significantly impact the lives of Nigerians or the development of the country.
By doing so, the judiciary can ensure that justice is served efficiently, effectively, and timeously.
