Former Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan once remarked:
“We see government institutions doing the wrong things. And tell people to go court. A thief tells you to go to court because he knows that his brother is the judge.”
This statement is more than a political comment. It is a mirror held up to many developing democracies where citizens increasingly doubt the fairness and independence of institutions meant to protect them. Jonathan’s words capture a painful reality. When the powerful violate the law and confidently tell their victims to “go to court,” it often reflects a deeper belief that the system can be bent in their favour.
In any democracy, the judiciary is expected to stand as an independent guardian of justice. Citizens who feel wronged are encouraged to seek redress in court because the court is traditionally seen as the last hope of the common man. But this hope begins to fade when people believe that judicial outcomes can be influenced by political actors, wealthy individuals, or powerful interest groups. Once this perception takes root, the credibility of the entire system becomes fragile.
One of the most common frustrations is the slow pace of justice. Court cases in Nigeria can drag on for years. Victims spend money on legal fees, transportation, and documentation. Many become emotionally drained and eventually abandon their cases. By the time a judgment is delivered, the political or social context that triggered the dispute may have changed completely. Justice delayed becomes justice diluted.
Another concern is the perception of political interference. Whether such interference is real or imagined, the belief that judges can be influenced undermines public trust. Citizens begin to assume that justice is reserved for those with influence, while ordinary people are left to navigate a system that feels distant and unresponsive. This is how institutional capture begins to take root.
The consequences of this loss of trust are serious. When people no longer believe that courts can deliver fair judgments, they may lose faith in democratic institutions altogether. This can lead to political apathy, social unrest, and a growing culture of impunity. A society where justice is seen as predetermined is a society at risk.
For democracy to thrive, institutions must be independent, transparent, and accountable. Judges must be protected from political pressure. Court cases must be resolved within reasonable timeframes. Citizens must have confidence that justice is based on facts and law, not on connections or influence. This is the foundation of judicial independence and the rule of law.
Jonathan’s statement is therefore a warning. It reminds us that democracy is not sustained by elections alone. It depends on the strength and credibility of institutions, especially the judiciary. When powerful individuals can break the law and still tell citizens to “go to court,” knowing the system may favour them, democracy itself is weakened.
Restoring trust requires deliberate action. Strengthening institutions, promoting transparency, and ensuring accountability are essential steps. Citizens must feel that justice is accessible, impartial, and independent. Only then can the courts truly serve as the last hope of the common man.
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Disclaimer:
Disclaimer: This article is not written to support or attack any political party or individual. It is a reflection on the importance of strong institutions, judicial independence, and public trust in a democratic society.
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