A retiring Justice of the Supreme Court, Ibrahim Saulawa, has called on politicians to desist from giving gifts to judicial officers in an attempt to influence their decisions. Justice Saulawa specifically mentioned gifts such as cows, rams and other valuable items, describing the practice as unacceptable and capable of undermining the integrity of the judiciary.
He made the call on Tuesday at a valedictory court session held in his honour at the Supreme Court in Abuja, following his retirement from the bench after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70. The retired Justice appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to take steps to address the practice and protect the independence and integrity of the judiciary.
According to him, politicians have no reason to send gifts to Supreme Court Justices or other judicial officers with the intention of influencing the outcome of cases.
“Why should a politician send a ram, cow or other items to a Supreme Court Justice? It is unheard of in other countries,” Saulawa said.
He disclosed that he had previously raised concerns about the practice with the CJN, describing it as demeaning and frustrating. Justice Saulawa also urged judicial officers across the country to remain committed to integrity, honesty and morality in the performance of their duties.
Recounting Attempt to Influence His Judgment, the retiring Justice recalled an incident in which an influential individual allegedly attempted to influence him before he delivered judgment in a case involving the person. Saulawa said the individual had earlier presented him with a brand-new Peugeot vehicle, which he rejected.
According to him, the individual subsequently sought the intervention of prominent traditional figures, including the Emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Kabir Usman, and the District Head, Alhaji Balan Goggo, in an effort to persuade him to accept the vehicle.
The Justice said he remained firm and refused to compromise his position, adding that he eventually convicted the individual in the case. He further revealed that he deliberately avoided certain social gatherings while serving as a judicial officer because he wanted to protect his principles and maintain the level of integrity expected of members of the bench. Justice Saulawa also reflected on his involvement in the legal developments surrounding the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
He recalled that he was serving as the Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal during the period and took steps to address conflicting court orders issued in relation to the election. According to him, the Federal Capital Territory High Court had issued two interim orders restraining the National Electoral Commission, then headed by Professor Humphrey Nwosu, from conducting the presidential election and announcing its results.
His recollection of the episode provided further insight into the legal and institutional challenges that surrounded one of the most significant political crises in Nigeria’s democratic history.
