INTERNATIONAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE DECIMATION OF JUDICIAL CORRUPTION AND PROMOTION OF GOOD GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Corruption being a global phenomenon has allegedly intruded and threatened every sphere of human endeavour particularly economic, political, social and educational phases. The adverse impacts are not only nationally felt, but globally acknowledged. The technical network built in the course of perpetrating the crime connects individuals and organisations residing and located in different jurisdictions across the globe. This makes the network of corrupt practices seamlessly multi-continental. Transnational nature of the graft drew the attention of international and regional institutions such as the United Nation, the African Union and Economic Community of West Africa States to enact conventions and protocols tailored in that direction to tackle the challenge. This paper appraised international legal framework for the decimation of judicial corruption and promotion of good governance. Qualitative research design was adopted using doctrinal approach. Primary data employed included international conventions and protocols and statutes while secondary data relied on included text books, journal articles, case laws, newspapers and online materials which are subject to content analysis. The study found that corruption is a global phenomenon that has permeated all spheres of human engagements judiciary inclusive. Enactment of international conventions and protocols is a global provision to curb corrupt practices. This encouraged member states to establish national anti-corruption agencies and commissions and also strengthened existing legislation on anti-corruption of member states. It was concluded that regardless of the effectiveness and usefulness of the conventions they are limited in application on account of lack of political will in application of some of their provisions, conflict of the conventions with local laws, non-enforcement of judgments and order of the Court are some of the limitations. It is recommended that enforcement mechanisms of decisions of regional Courts be strengthened by member states to give no respite and haven for corrupt officials by member states.