Rocky road as Nigeria’s judiciary seeks financial autonomy

State governors in Nigeria are currently grappling with the issue of financial autonomy for the state judiciary and legislature, as ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari through Executive Order 10. The Nigeria Governors Forum is engaged in intense deliberations about the implementation of this order, as well as the ongoing strike by the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria. Constitutional lawyer and rights advocate, Evans Ufeli, shed light on the situation in a recent interview on CNBC Africa. Ufeli highlighted the historical context that has led to the current state of affairs, emphasizing the critical role of an independent judiciary in a democratic society. He underscored the need for the judiciary to function without interference from other branches of government to uphold the rule of law. Despite the resistance from some governors, there is growing momentum for the implementation of financial autonomy for the judiciary, with the House of Representatives already expressing support for the cause. As the stalemate continues, stakeholders are urging swift action to ensure the judiciary's independence and the smooth administration of justice.