Legal Enlightenment In Nigeria
Esther Olunloyo
Quite a few members of the general public are illiterates in disguise, especially in matters relating to the law. This has resulted into a lot of injustice without even a single attempt or protest to stop it. First, I will define the two key terms in this topic. The word ‘legal’, has to do with things relating to the law. Enlightenment, according to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, is the act or means of enlightening. Legal Enlightenment is to be freed from misinformation and ignorance about the law.
Discouragingly, the Nigerian law and legal system seem not to command respect among the people. This is as a result of absurdities and abnormalities in justice they have witnessed or heard of. Most people feel resorting to jungle justice affords ‘better justice’ than what the legal enforcement agencies and courts can offer. Most people who engage in lynching of criminals fear that the law breakers would go unpunished when handed over to law enforcement agencies. A lot of Nigerians are ignorant and misinformed about the judicial system and law enforcement agencies. Some people believe they would be accused of the crime they report and this have led people to being so unthoughtful to the extent that they prefer an accident victim dying than taking them to an hospital for the fear of being accused of causing the injury.
Attainment of justice is viewed by majority of the citizens has luxuries that are only at the disposal of the rich. Lot of people who have had and who have issues that could be properly addressed in the court are incapacitated by their financial status. Also, the cost and time spent in litigations make people feel obtainment of justice or disputes resolution through courts is a waste of time.
The misinformation and beliefs of the populace about the courts should be corrected, because it is an impediment to the process of thwarting injustice in the country. Also, lack of proper enlightenment in Nigeria inhibits the enforcement of human rights in Nigeria. Most people feel their issues are to trivial to be addressed in courts.
Effective and efficient approaches should be adopted. First, the legal enforcement agencies need be well reformed. The duties and functions of these bodies should be clearly stated and be practicalised. Their excesses and ruthlessness should be curbed. The absurdity and abnormalities manifested by these bodies in the discharge of their duties make people doubt if these agencies would be capable and fair enough in aiding the procurement of justice.
There is a great need for incorruptible and virtuous personnel in the judicial system and legal enforcement agencies. Justice can only be guaranteed and attained when these kinds of persons are present in the judicial system, legal enforcement agencies and Nigeria at large. Most people have come to believe that the court aids and abets crime due to the irregularities in justice that have taken place. Also, needless miscellaneous court fees should be scraped out. Time spent on litigation should be drastically reduced. In determining fees, the courts should take into consideration the financial buoyancy of the majority.
Great emphasis should be laid on the process of enlightening the masses, in order to stop the supine acquiescence given to injustice. People should be encouraged to speak up and seek justice. Misinformation about the courts should be clarified. People who are legally enlightened, especially lawyers, should reach out and enlighten the masses through various communication platforms, especially social media. Legal talk shows should be hosted on television stations, particularly on radio stations. It should be done in a consistent and effective manner.
Legal Enlightenment of the people is key to attainment of justice and development of the Nigerian legal system as a whole. The populace should be properly enlightened about their rights, the judicial system and legal enforcement agencies, as well as the functions of these bodies. People should be aware that their rights can and should be enforced when violated. People should be encouraged to utilise the instrumentality of the law to obtain justice and for common good.
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