No astute businessman will invest in a country where the judiciary is compromised, where judges operate under the influence of those in power, and where court rulings are dictated by political interests rather than the principles of justice. Investors seek stability, fairness, and the rule of law—without these, no rational entrepreneur would risk their capital in such an unpredictable environment.
Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has sounded the alarm on the dangers of judicial compromise, warning that a nation where justice is manipulated cannot attract meaningful investment. According to Jonathan, the erosion of judicial independence creates an atmosphere of uncertainty that repels investors, as they perceive it as a high-risk venture with no guaranteed legal protection for their interests.
“The ignorant man may believe that these illegalities and irregularities by politicians do not affect the general populace, but in reality, they impact everyone,” Jonathan stated.
His remarks serve as a stark reminder that a compromised judiciary does not only weaken democracy but also cripples economic progress. Without judicial integrity, contracts become worthless, business disputes turn into political battles, and foreign investors shy away, fearing that their assets could be unfairly seized or their businesses disrupted by political interference.
Jonathan’s statement underscores the urgent need for judicial reforms in Nigeria. The independence of the judiciary must be safeguarded to restore investor confidence, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that democracy thrives on the foundation of fairness and justice.