Politicians, businessmen, monarchs bribe judges -Ex-S'Court Judge

By The Citizen

A retired Judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Stanley Alagoa, on Friday accused politicians, businessmen and traditional rulers of bribing, intimidating and influencing judges in the country.

Justice Alagoa spoke at a valedictory court session held to mark his retirement from the Supreme Court.

Speaking on corruption in the judiciary, he warned judges to beware of associating with politicians, businessmen and traditional rulers.

He said, 'The greatest challenge to the judiciary are politicians followed by businessmen. Traditional rulers must also share in the blame.

'It is this class of persons that bribe, intimidate, harass or influence judges to depart from their sacred oath of office and the path of honour and rectitude.

'A judge who hobnobs with this group may well be unwittingly allowing his position to be compromised and possibly jeopardized.

'A judge who is more at home in social circles may do well to question his suitability for the bench as the two are incompatible.'

To avoid the evils that come with associating with politicians, businessmen and traditional rulers, Justice Alagoa advised that 'a judge must hold fast to his God and be bold.