Justice Ibrahim Saulawa Urges Action Against Judicial Gifts

Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, a retiring Justice of the Supreme Court, warned politicians against attempting to influence judges with what he referred to as "Greek gifts." He made this statement during a valedictory court session held in his honor as he retired after reaching the mandatory age of 70. Justice Saulawa expressed concern over the practice of politicians gifting items such as cows and rams to judges, which he deemed demeaning and frustrating.

He called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria to take action against this practice, recalling a personal experience where an influential individual attempted to sway him after he rejected a car gift. Mr Damien Dodo, a representative of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, expressed embarrassment over the low attendance at the session, attributing it to miscommunication.

Justice Saulawa also reflected on his efforts to maintain integrity during his service, including declining invitations to social events and addressing legal confusion during the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.