Constitutional lawyer, Professor Mike Ozekhome, SAN, believes that the Nigerian judiciary is displacing the real will of the people as expressed through the ballot.

Ozekhome stated this at the 9th convocation ceremony of Gregory University Uturu in Abia State.

According to the human rights advocate, the country is practicing what he terms “judocracy” rather than democracy.

He described judocracy as a system where elected officials, including presidents, governors, senators, and local government leaders, are determined in the courts rather than through the ballot.

Ozekhome, dissatisfied by the action of the judiciary, said that rather than helping to protect democracy, the judiciary has become an accomplice in undermining the will of the people.

He said, “The judiciary is displacing the real will of the people as expressed through the ballot. That’s the situation in Nigeria.”

Ozekhome called for a strong, independent judiciary free from external influence, whether from the executive or legislature, stressing that the judiciary is the cornerstone of democracy, safeguarding the rule of law and the fundamental rights of the people.

He also called for better remuneration and support for judges to ensure their independence and integrity.