A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Ogwu James Onoja, has called for improved living standards for judges to ensure the efficient and timely dispensation of justice, as well as the continued stability of Nigeria’s democratic system.
Speaking in Abuja at the unveiling of the Bar and Bench Press and his 57th birthday celebration, Onoja emphasized the critical role of judicial officers and their supporting staff, arguing that they should not face hardships that could impede the swift delivery of justice.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Walter Samuel Onoghen, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court Justice John Tsoho, and Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf. Others in attendance included Federal High Court Justices Inyang Edem Ekwo, James Kolawole Omotosho, and Peter Lifu.
Onoja commended Nigerian judges for their role in stabilizing democracy since the return to civil rule in 1999, noting that they have adjudicated numerous political cases that could have otherwise destabilized the country. He also highlighted their contributions in handling high-profile corruption and terrorism cases, which have contributed to reducing economic crimes and security threats.
Given the sensitivity and demands of judicial functions, Onoja urged authorities to prioritize judges’ welfare, ensuring they receive adequate housing, official vehicles, and essential resources to perform their duties effectively. He stressed that judicial salaries should not only be paid promptly but also increased in line with economic realities.
“A situation where courts operate without electricity, furniture, or other vital materials, and judges lack suitable quarters, is detrimental to the smooth dispensation of justice. Such conditions inevitably demoralize judicial officers,” Onoja stated.
Beyond judicial welfare, he expressed concern over the rising cases of ritual killings among youths seeking quick wealth. He called on young people to shun such criminal activities, warning that they tarnish family names, religious values, and Nigeria’s international reputation.
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“Ritual killings and economic crimes were not the norm in Nigeria’s past. We lived as good neighbors, free from fraud and senseless violence. Whatever is fueling these heinous acts must be abandoned. We must maintain faith in our country, regardless of the challenges we face,” he urged.
Onoja further appealed to parents not to let economic difficulties derail them from properly raising their children, emphasizing that the nation’s future depends on strong moral and ethical foundations.
