By Nwajiobi Ijeoma 9news Nigeria, Nnewi
President of the Enugu State Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice George Chibueze Nnamani, has called for stronger judicial independence in West Africa.
Nnamani made the call while delivering the keynote address at the fourth edition of the Civil Society Week for West Africa 2026, organised by Spaces for Change (S4C) West Africa at Hotel Presidential, Enugu.
Nnamani, while speaking during the event, themed “Strengthening Judicial Protection of Civic Space in West Africa,” focused on the challenges facing democratic governance and the rule of law in the sub-region and warned that executive interference in the judiciary may weaken democracy, constitutional governance and citizens’ rights.
He stressed that an independent judiciary is essential to democratic stability and public confidence in government.
Nnamani raised concerns about the security challenges confronting judges, particularly terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, noting that the fight against insecurity must not undermine citizens’ fundamental rights.
On electoral disputes, Nnamani defended the role of the courts in resolving contested elections, arguing that election tribunals exist to adjudicate alleged electoral fraud and other irregularities.
However, he urged political parties, electoral bodies, security agencies and voters to address electoral malpractice to reduce the growing burden of post-election litigation.
He further called for the enforcement of financial autonomy for state judiciaries, which provides for the direct payment of funds standing to the credit of state judiciaries to the heads of courts.
Nnamani commended Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for steps towards achieving financial autonomy for the state judiciary, while urging other states to follow suit.
He warned that continued deprivation of the judiciary could fuel public discontent and undermine democracy, insisting that constitutional independence must translate into practical autonomy for all arms of government.
Also, the Executive Director of Spaces for Change (S4C), Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, said the fourth edition of the Civil Society Week for West Africa brought together civil society leaders from across the region to discuss ways of strengthening judicial protection of civic space.
She said the previous editions were held in Abuja, Lagos and Accra, Ghana, while the current edition was hosted in Enugu.
She explained that the theme focused on strengthening judicial protection of civic space in West Africa amid growing concerns over the use of judicial processes to suppress dissent and restrict citizens’ freedoms.
The executive director called for stronger judicial independence, including improved financial autonomy for the judiciary, to enable it to perform its constitutional responsibilities without undue interference from the executive.
She said civil society organisations had a responsibility to intensify efforts to support the judiciary in protecting civic freedoms and strengthening democratic governance across West Africa.
