Senator Sola Akinyede says only 10-15% of Nigeria's judiciary remains untainted

Senator Sola Akinyede, a lawyer and public affairs commentator, told Arise Television's Prime Time programme on Monday that only about 10 to 15 percent of Nigeria's judiciary remains untainted, describing a deepening rot in the system. He said that while roughly 10 percent of judicial officers were seen as compromised between 2005 and 2010, the situation has reversed, with perhaps 85 to 90 percent now compromised. Akinyede cited examples such as judges lobbying to have their children appointed to the bench - practices unheard of three decades ago. He argued that meaningful change requires a constitutional amendment, noting that during his time on the Senate Constitutional Review Committee in 2010 he proposed reforms to the National Judicial Council, especially the provision that lets the Chief Justice of Nigeria appoint 19 of its 23 members. He warned that without structural reform, public trust in the judiciary will continue to erode, affecting everything from dispute resolution to investment confidence. Citizens should monitor ongoing reform debates, support civil-society pushes for judicial accountability, and consider how judicial integrity affects their personal and business dealings.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/21/only-10-to-15-percent-of-judiciary-clean-akinyede/