Rule of law is threatened once people lose faith in the judiciary, Says Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last elections, has highlighted the critical importance of maintaining public trust in the judiciary to uphold the rule of law.

In a recent statement on his X page, Obi stressed that the rule of law is the cornerstone of fundamental human rights and the cohesive force that binds societies.

Obi pointed out that when a democracy relies on an unjust judicial system, it exposes society to significant risks. He emphasized that the lofty titles held by individuals in positions of power lack meaning when they are built on insincerity and falsehood.

These titles only hold value when those who bear them possess the integrity and honor to support their weight.

In situations where there is doubt about the authenticity of titles and claims, the judiciary’s role is to restore trust through transparent rulings.

Obi contended that such judicial interventions are essential to protect the public from those who engage in fraudulent behavior and identity deception.

Furthermore, Obi emphasized that the judiciary has a vital duty to safeguard society’s values, and this is a key responsibility of an impartial judiciary in a democracy.

The rule of law, he underlined, remains the lifeblood of democracy, forming the bedrock for fundamental human rights and the social fabric.

He noted that people from all walks of life rely on the courts when they believe their rights are under threat, with the expectation that fair and transparent judgments will be delivered.

However, when the impartiality of the judiciary is in question, and the transparency of judicial personnel is uncertain, the rule of law faces significant risks. Obi stressed that once ordinary citizens lose faith in the fairness of the judiciary, the entire foundation of the rule of law is endangered.

Obi also cautioned against a society in which the rule of the powerful supersedes the rule of law, as this threatens democracy and fosters an environment where justice is commodified and manipulated by the rich and influential.

Ultimately, he concluded that a democracy founded on an unjust judicial system exposes society to evident dangers.