President Muhammadu Buhari and state governors are aiding Nigeria’s collapse if they fail to reopen courts across the country, says legal luminary Afe Babalola.

The renowned lawyer argued that the shutdown of courts was unhealthy for democracy and the rule of law.

“The executive and the legislature should immediately ensure that the situation in the judiciary is immediately resolved, or else, they are by their action, aiding the collapse of the country,” he said.

He also advised federal and state governments to improve the current salaries paid to judicial officers, especially judges, to guarantee commitment and fairness in handling lawsuits.

He stated this on Sunday in Ado Ekiti during the presentation of a book, ‘Testament of Judicial Pronouncements,’ as part of activities to mark the retirement of Ekiti Chief Judge, Ayo Daramola.

Mr Babalola explained, “The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has been on strike since, and the courts have been shut down for months. 

“As a result of the closure, the Police have not been able to charge any suspected criminal to court, while those who have cases in courts or those who want to file new cases are also affected.”

Continuing, he noted, “It is a well-known fact that the judiciary is the third arm of government after the Executive and the Legislature, and the situation can thus be likened to a human being whose ability to work depends on the arm, the legs, and the eyes.

“If for any reason any of these three important parts of the human body is incapacitated, then the whole body is in trouble. With this scenario, Nigeria is certainly in crisis.”