Many remark justice is blind;
pity those in her sway, shocked to discover she is also deaf. - Unknown
Lady
justice is blind but should she be? Justice is synonymous with fairness and the
notion of getting what one deserves. That said, these are interesting times for
Nigeria’s judiciary. In the last week, Patrick
Ekeh was sentenced to death for stealing a car stereo and Al-Mustapha
and Lateef Sofolahan were also sentenced to death for their roles in the
murder of Kudirat Abiola. Both cases demonstrate the unnecessary delays that
occur in our judicial system and just how blind justice is.
It is
disheartening that the Nigerian State has laws that make petty armed robbery
punishable by death- see section
402 of the criminal code while armed robbers in high places are not
penalized.
First, why
are offenders punished? Offenders are punished as a form retribution,
deterrence, rehabilitation, or condemnation. The factors are taken into
consideration during sentencing for crimes.
However, laws
and sentences such as this reveal not only the economic but the social
inequalities that exist between the “haves”- especially the illegitimate ones-
and the “have-nots”. There are many
stories in our society of punishment not being commensurate with the crime. I
remember the story of a man that was jailed (I don’t know if he is out now) for
stealing a shoe! At the time I heard his story, he had spent about five years
in jail.
I wonder
if our justice system is a reflection of our values as a society. Still in my
wondering state: in what country are thieves rewarded with national awards,
elected, and hold government positions and someone is to die by hanging for
stealing a car stereo? (I am not trying to justify the crime but…)
Objectivity
is not neutrality or blindness. It is time for madam justice to open her eyes
well and be truly just.
Deuces
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