The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), has criticised state governors who publicly donate cars, houses, and other material items to judges, describing the gesture as damaging to the integrity and independence of the judiciary.

Speaking on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme, Osigwe warned that such practices erode public confidence in the judiciary and create the perception of undue influence by the executive.

“It is concerning to us that governors would do things for the judiciary as if they were doing them a favour,” he said. “Oftentimes, it’s annoying seeing some governors talk about how they give cars to judges or even invite them for a public presentation of vehicles or other items. We believe it’s demeaning and ought not to be.”

According to him, the judiciary should be financially autonomous and not rely on governors for operational needs, including vehicles, courtrooms, or infrastructure.

“No judiciary can claim true independence if it relies on the executive for its basic needs. Even if it is independent, the perception will always be that judges are at the beck and call of the executive. That perception alone is damaging,” Osigwe stressed.

The NBA president argued that all judicial requirements should be properly budgeted for and managed internally, dismissing claims that the judiciary lacks the capacity to handle its own finances.

“The executive should not emasculate the judiciary, reduce it to a weeping boy, or a beggar. It demeans the judiciary, robs it of independence, and makes it difficult for people to trust that such a judiciary can be impartial,” he added.

While noting that the federal judiciary enjoys a higher degree of financial autonomy, Osigwe urged state governments to adopt similar frameworks to safeguard the credibility of their courts.

“Justice is rooted in confidence. The day that confidence is eroded, or seems gone, the people’s faith in the judiciary will forever be weakened,” he warned.