By :Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja
Civil society group, the Centre for Social Legal Studies (CSLS), on Thursday, January 15, 2026 staged a Justice Walk in Abuja, calling on the Federal Government to fully implement the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy and ensure speedy, transparent trials of high-profile corruption cases.
The Justice Walk, route National Human Rights Commission to Millennium Park, E19, Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, held in commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, drew lawyers, activists, and rights advocates who marched peacefully through parts of the Federal Capital Territory under the theme: “Advancing Human Rights the Non-Violent Way.”
Addressing journalists, CSLS President, Prof. Yemi Akinseye, SAN, FNIALS, said obedience to court judgments is non-negotiable in a constitutional democracy, warning that selective compliance with the rule of law undermines governance and development.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Injustice to one is injustice to all,” Prof. Akinseye said.
Speaking on Local Government Autonomy,
The CSLS president urged the Federal Government to ensure full implementation of the Supreme Court’s decision granting financial and administrative autonomy to local governments, stressing that this is essential for grassroots development.
“The majority of Nigerians live in rural communities. Government presence must be felt in every nook and cranny of the country. States that continue to defy the authority of the Supreme Court must face appropriate sanctions,” he said.
Honouring Dr. King’s Legacy
Prof. Akinseye described the Justice Walk as a tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., noting that his philosophy of non-violence remains relevant to Nigeria’s current challenges.
“Dr. King commanded no armies, wielded no wealth and held no political office, yet he possessed something far greater—an awakened conscience, disciplined courage, and a voice anchored in truth,” he said.
He added that Nigeria’s response to corruption, insecurity, inequality, and weak institutions must be rooted in dialogue, reform, and non-violent action—not despair or cynicism.
Demand for Speedy Corruption Trials
CSLS called for urgent reforms to ensure speedy and credible trials of high-profile corruption cases, describing corruption as one of the gravest threats to human rights and national development.
“Corruption robs citizens of healthcare, education, infrastructure, and opportunity. Justice delayed in corruption cases is not a mere procedural failure—it is an assault on public confidence,” Prof. Akinseye stated.
He warned that prolonged trials allow stolen wealth to be used to manipulate elections, capture institutions, and purchase political power.
CSLS demanded improved case management systems, elimination of unnecessary adjournments, diligent investigation and prosecution, insulation of trials from political interference, and the use of technology such as virtual hearings.
“Speedy trial must never mean hurried injustice. But justice must never be so slow that it becomes meaningless. As Dr. King warned, ‘Justice too long delayed is justice denied.’”
Recovered Assets and Judicial Integrity
The group also demanded proper, transparent, and accountable management of confiscated assets, stressing that asset recovery must benefit the Nigerian people.
“Allowing confiscated assets to decay or disappear is itself a betrayal of justice. This is the clear mandate of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA),” he said.
On judicial appointments, CSLS called for the sustenance of ongoing reforms to ensure transparency, merit-based selection, and independence of the bench, commending the National Judicial Council (NJC) for improvements introduced in 2025.
“A judiciary that enjoys public trust becomes a powerful engine of peaceful social change. A judiciary that loses that trust opens the door to instability and self-help,” he warned.
Security, Terrorism, and Social Reform
CSLS also urged sustained international collaboration in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, emphasizing that security cannot be achieved through force alone.
“The ultimate victory over terrorism will not be won by bombs alone, but by good governance, justice, education, economic opportunity, and respect for human rights,” Prof. Akinseye said.
The group raised concern over the growing number of street children in Abuja, warning that abandoned and uneducated youths are vulnerable to recruitment by criminal and extremist groups.
CSLS called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to complement infrastructure development with social reforms and human development initiatives.
Call to Action
Reaffirming CSLS’s commitment to justice sector reform, Prof. Akinseye urged Nigerians and leaders alike to embrace dialogue, reform, and accountability.“
Let us build a Nigeria where the rule of law is not a slogan but a lived reality. As Dr. King said, ‘The time is always right to do what is right.’ For Nigeria, that time is now.”He said.
