Lagos / Washington D.C., June 2026 — Former presidential aspirant and medical practitioner, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, has called for far-reaching reforms within Nigeria’s judiciary, including the introduction of peer-review mechanisms, improved welfare for judicial officers, and greater financial independence for the courts.

Dr. Anakwenze made the remarks during an exclusive live interview on News Central Television as part of the station’s special coverage marking three years of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking from the United States, Dr. Anakwenze identified corruption and weak leadership as major factors hindering the effectiveness of Nigeria’s judiciary and broader governance system.

According to him, corruption remains the greatest obstacle to national development across critical sectors of the economy.

“The overall problem of Nigeria is corruption. That’s what’s keeping Nigeria down in all phases — industry, economy, judiciary,” he said. “It’s all corrupt leadership and weak leadership. Corrupt politicians want a corrupt judiciary so that the rich can oppress the poor.”

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“In America, if you bribe a judge, you go to prison. If you bribe the police, you go to prison. But in Nigeria, bribery and corruption are often tolerated. If we can build a system that rewards integrity and punishes wrongdoing, Nigeria can become a great nation,” he stated.

The former presidential aspirant also stressed the significance of electing leaders with strong moral character, warning that poor leadership often results in institutional decline.

He noted that leadership at the highest levels has a direct impact on the performance of national institutions, including the judiciary.

“You have to take elections seriously because if you put a morally bankrupt person in office, they will wreck the whole system. The wrong leadership can corrupt the entire structure of governance,” he said.

As part of his proposed reforms, Dr. Anakwenze advocated the introduction of a judicial peer-review system modeled after practices in the medical profession.

He explained that judges’ decisions and professional conduct should be periodically reviewed by qualified legal professionals and senior judicial officers to promote accountability and maintain ethical standards.

“Here in America, doctors undergo peer review. Judges’ work should also be reviewed by credible lawyers and judges. If they are doing something wrong, there should be consequences. Judicial peer review can strengthen transparency and improve public confidence in the courts,” he said.

Dr. Anakwenze further called for improved remuneration and welfare packages for judges, arguing that adequate compensation would reduce susceptibility to undue influence and corruption.

“Judges need to be paid well so they do not fall under pressure. In America, judges and police officers are well compensated and have access to decent living conditions. The Nigerian judiciary should be financially stable, independent, and able to support itself,” he stated.

He also emphasized the need to strengthen judicial independence, arguing that the judiciary should be insulated from excessive political influence.

According to him, a truly independent judiciary is essential for upholding justice, protecting citizens’ rights, and sustaining democratic governance.

Dr. Anakwenze’s comments formed part of News Central Television’s broader discussion on judicial reforms, controversial court decisions, and public perceptions of the judiciary under the current administration.

His recommendations focused on improving accountability, enhancing ethical standards, strengthening institutional independence, and restoring public trust in Nigeria’s justice system.

The full interview is available on the News Central Television YouTube channel.