Order is one of the rudimentary attributes of the universe. Evident is this in the systematic operation of the cosmos and the prominent role time plays therein. Humans, taking a cue from this natural configuration, have strived from time immemorial to add this ingredient to the meal of their existence by instituting structures that would facilitate the desired. The desirables of justice, fairness, peace, and concomitant order would remain utopian until crucial governmental arms like the judiciary rise to the occasion.

Heat generated by the whisking away of judicial bigwigs is felt by many Nigerians, hence the avalanche of mixed opinions that have been aired on the issue. Among other things, this reveals increase in Nigerians' political consciousness and their genuine yearning for far-reaching national revival. It is attainable. Getting there would include x-raying this controversy in such a way that our irrational political feelings kick the bucket.

The widely believed principle in law that, "To every rule, there is an exception," questions the validity of any viewpoint that unreservedly condemns the recent actions of Department of State Services (DSS) toward the judges alleged to have dined with corruption. Even if the constitution suggests otherwise, those who contend that the judges were unjustly treated should ponder on that legal dictum. More so, section 35 subsection 1(c) of the Nigerian Constitution, expressing the Right to Personal Liberty, states that this right of a Nigerian cannot be infringed on except "Upon reasonable suspicion of his having committed a criminal offense." The judges were suspected of betraying public trust by collecting bribes. Monies that couldn't be properly accounted for were found in their possession. Logical action was taken to checkmate them which unavoidably collided with their right, one they lost when they decided to commercialize justice. Thus, those who decry gross abuse of the judges' constitutional fundamental human right do so out of ignorance. The steps taken by the security agency in the wee hours of that very day may seem illegal, but upon objectively evaluating the flow of events, you would give the DSS a pat on the back. The DSS may have its shortcomings but they hit the nail right on its head in this one.

Also, the adage that "Delay is dangerous," affirms that bold step. Given the antecedents of most Nigerian public officers' tendency, when under scrutiny, to bury any iota of evidence in order to go scot free explains that move. If the DSS had waited till the next day and not taken them unawares, the probability of finding the hundreds of millions of naira questionably residing in the respective houses of the hallowed judges is very low. Then there will be little or no evidence to cause them face the axe of justice. The non-cogent explanations that have ensued that discovery emboldens the rot and corruption that have infiltrated the common man's place of last hope.

Nevertheless, these occurences signal a renaissance in the judiciary, a condition that would practically prove to be true the cliché, "He who comes to equity must come with clean hands." Rather than "He who comes to equity can come with dirty hands full of money," which is what is pitiably obtainable. Instead of allowing political bias and pessimism toward the nation dictate our sense of judgement on this matter, condemning in strong terms this unprofessional trend in the judicial system is crucial. Supporting any governmental move to seperate the sheep from the goats in the judiciary would reflect patriotism, and demonstrate our willingness to usher in the Nigeria of our dream where "peace and justice shall reign."

Kaycee Naze,
Concerned Nigerian.

Good but other government officials should be taken by surprise by the DSS too