AE-FUNAI Law Dinner Makes Case for Judicial Independence

The Faculty of Law at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, has held its third annual law dinner, with a strong call for the independence of the judiciary as a safeguard for Nigeria’s democracy.

The event, themed “The Law, the Bench and the People: A Critical Analysis of the Judiciary’s Role in Shaping Democracy in Nigeria”, took place at Monablis Hotel and Suites, Mile 50, Abakaliki, and brought together judges, legal practitioners, academics, and students.

Welcoming guests, Dean of the Faculty, Professor Eseni Azu Udu, reflected on the progress made under his leadership. He noted that while the faculty was founded on a solid base, no law dinner was held before his appointment.

“Though the faculty was established on a solid foundation at inception, nonetheless, before my appointment as Dean, there has not been any law dinner but I had promised to institute it on assumption of office, and today marks the 3rd consecutive law dinner of the faculty,” he said.

Eseni highlighted the achievements of AE-FUNAI law students in the past two years, including representing Nigeria at the 16th Nelson Mandela International Moot Court Competition in Geneva, Switzerland. He also unveiled plans to place 300-level students in law chambers nationwide to gain practical experience and confirmed the university’s approval for the faculty to launch PGD, LLM, and PhD programmes.

Chairman of the occasion, Michael Odoh Esq., underscored the relevance of law dinners in legal training.

“Law dinner is a very important aspect of law training, which also is one of the prerequisites to be called to bar,” he explained. “It is an opportunity to learn etiquette and to interact with senior colleagues in the legal profession. Misbehavior or absence from law dinner can lead to serious sanctions.”

Delivering the keynote, retired Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, Hon. Justice Anselm Nwaigwe, said judicial independence was essential for democratic stability.

“When the 3rd arm of government stands firmly independent, democracy will thrive. An independent judiciary is a precursor to a thriving democracy and rule of law, as a compromised judiciary undermines democracy,” he said.

Justice Nwaigwe outlined the judiciary’s constitutional role, from resolving disputes between citizens and government to ensuring checks and balances. He listed its critical functions, including clarifying constitutional ambiguities, upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, ensuring electoral justice, and intervening against executive excesses. He warned that corruption and the appointment of unqualified judges were undermining its independence.

The evening concluded with an awards ceremony recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to the legal profession. Vice-Chancellor of AE-FUNAI, Professor Sunday Elom, received the Icon of Legal Education Award for his “unwavering commitment to the advancement of institutional legal education” and strong support for law studies. Other recipients included Hon. Justice Chinyere Ken Eze, Hon. Justice Anselm Nwaigwe, and Engr. Chidi Onwe Ogah.