Issues on the Membership, Powers and Autonomy of the National Judicial Council

Abstract

Controversy over the independence of the Judiciary from interference and control by the executive arm of government has been of special concern to the legal profession in Nigeria. This paper examines the autonomous status of the National Judicial Council and the extent of the impact of its establishment to ensure the independence of the Judiciary under the Nigerian 1999 Constitution. It concludes that though the Constitution guaranteed enormous powers to the National Judicial Council in carrying out its duties, these powers are seriously undermined if not eroded by some other Constitutional as well as practical limitations. The paper goes on to proffer recommendations on the way forward.