IMPLICATIONS OF JUDICIAL CORRUPTION ON GOOD GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Corruption has remained a global menace and very toxic to good governance. It has equally remained toxic to good governance. Corruption has been a general concern in other spheres of life until recently discovered that it has infiltrated the judiciary. The infiltration manifests in various forms ranging from embezzlement, bribery, conflicts of judicial decisions and breach of code of conducts by judicial officers. Recent accusations of judicial officers of corrupt practices and discipline meted by the National Judicial Council (NJC) revealed the degree of the decadence in the judiciary. This has significantly affected transparency, respect for rule of law and democratic ethos which are core values of good governance. The study adopted qualitative design using doctrinal approach. The primary data considered are statute Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Economic and Financial Commission (Establishment Act) 2004 among others while secondary data considered include books, journal articles, newspapers publications, case law and online materials. This study found that respect for rule of law, governance transparency and equity are decimated while fundamental right abuse and capital flight increase. It concludes by noting that sustainability of good governance is rooted in a corruption free judiciary.