Bulkachuwa’s Buka; Where the Unjust Feed Fat on Justice
By Bolaji O. Akinyemi
The judiciary, often regarded as the beacon of justice and the guardian of fairness, is now facing a crisis of trust and integrity. The recent revelation by Senator Adamu Muhammadu Bulkachuwa during the valedictory session of the 9th Senate has ripped apart the veil of secrecy that shrouds our legal system, exposing a nation where justice can be bought and sold to the highest bidder.
In the halls of power, Bulkachuwa proudly proclaimed his influence over judicial decisions, highlighting a perversion of justice that leaves us questioning the very foundations of our legal system.
One cannot help but recall the suspicions raised by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar after the 2019 Presidential election, when Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, the pioneer chair and President of the Court of Appeal, was forced to recuse herself from the panel due to concerns of bias. Little did we know that this was just the tip of the iceberg, signaling a deeper rot within our judiciary.
In an ironic twist, Senator Bulkachuwa, unabashedly trampling upon his wife’s years of service to the nation on the bench, boasted of his encroachment upon her freedom and independence, proudly admitting to influencing judicial decisions in favor of certain Senators. It is a grotesque spectacle that tarnishes the reputation of justice and mocks the very notion of fairness.
We must turn to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, himself no stranger to the election petition panel, to demand a thorough investigation into these reckless claims made within the desecrated halls of the Senate. If the allegations are found to be true, both Bulkachuwa and his wife should face the consequences of their actions. The sanctity of our judiciary demands nothing less.
The response from the National Judicial Council (NJC) has been less than reassuring. While the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Maikyau, rightfully noted that Bulkachuwa’s statement makes him liable to be investigated and prosecuted, the NJC’s tepid reaction falls short of what is needed to restore public confidence.
This season of shocking admissions by APC chieftains, from El-Rufai’s subjugation of Christians in Kaduna State to Bulkachuwa’s revelation of his role in the rape of our judicial process, leaves us questioning the true extent of these injustices.
We are left with burning questions: Which cases were influenced? How many Senators were beneficiaries of this Jankara justice? The examples of Orji Uzor Kalu, Smart Adeyemi, Adeyeye, Olujimi, and James Manager come to mind, but the full extent of the rot remains veiled in secrecy. The time has come for Bulkachuwa, both Mr. and Mrs., to reveal the truth and face the consequences of their actions.
While the NJC claims to be considering the matter, their lack of decisive action is a disgrace to the judicial independence and integrity they purport to defend. The fate of our judiciary rests in their hands, and they must rise to the occasion by investigating these grave allegations and holding those responsible accountable.
The National Assembly, particularly the Senate, must also take a stand and address the desecration of their hallowed chambers. The silence from the spokesperson for the Appeal Court, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and the Presidency is deafening, as they appear content to turn a blind eye to the unfolding scandal.
In these trying times, we look to the hope and promise embodied by Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is an opportunity for him to prove that his government has not captured the leadership of the judiciary as it has with the Senate. Will justice prevail in the ongoing election petition, or will it remain tainted by the revelation of Bulkachuwa’s buka, where the unjust feed fat on justice?
As we keep our fingers crossed, hoping for a glimmer of justice, let us remember that the fight for a truly fair and transparent judiciary is far from over. We must continue to question, to scrutinize, and to demand accountability. Only then can we hope to cleanse the tarnished image of our legal system and restore faith in the power of justice to prevail.
