The Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC) has come out strongly in defence of President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent expression of frustration with the activities and performance of the judiciary with regard to the prosecution of his government’s anti-corruption campaign.

“The President’s comment was roundly criticised by not a few selfish lawyers, blank social commentators as well as incurably biased politicians,” CSNAC said today in a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju. “Some of the critics can be excused for their ignorance and naivety but majority are hypocrites and opportunists who would seize every chance to undermine the anti-corruption fight,” the group said.

According to CSNAC, “In this majority are those lawyers equally culpable in the alleged corruption in the judiciary. It is a known maxim that ‘it takes two to tango’. The corruption of the bench is through and with active collaboration of lawyers.”

The coalition demanded consistency, sincerity and patriotism from stakeholders for the current government to successfully free the country from the strangle hold of corruption.”

It challenged leaders and members of the bar to rise up to their calling as ‘ministers in the temple of justice’ and expose those known corrupt judges.

Finally, CSNAC “reminded the bar association of the lifetime national and professional burden on its shoulders, in the ongoing fight against corruption which can only succeed with the collective partnership of all stakeholders. Not only has the president stated the obvious on the impediment constituted by judicial officers in the fight against corruption, he has further reminded the leadership of the bar, and the bench alike of the pervasive corruption pervading the judiciary.”

•Photo shows Chief Justice of the Federation, Mahmud Mohammed.

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