The article discusses the reflections of Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, a recently retired Supreme Court justice in Nigeria, on the impact of a military junta on the country's judiciary and democracy. As Nigeria celebrates 66 years of independence and 27 years of continuous democratic governance, Justice Saulawa recalls the significant events surrounding the annulment of the 1993 presidential election, which was won by Chief Moshood Abiola. He explains that the military government tried to undermine the judiciary to justify canceling the election, claiming they were protecting it from "self-destruction." Saulawa, who was the Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal at the time, describes how the military attempted to influence court decisions by creating conflicting orders from different courts. He highlights a specific incident where the military's interference led to the annulment of the election, which caused widespread unrest in Nigeria. Saulawa emphasized the judiciary's crucial role in resisting military pressure during this crisis, ultimately leading to the military leadership stepping down. Throughout his career, Justice Saulawa has held various important positions in the judiciary and is recognized for his dedication to justice. His retirement marks an opportunity to reflect on the evolution of Nigeria's judicial system and the ongoing challenges it faces.
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