Renowned legal scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Prof. Mike Ozekhome, has called for a strong, independent judiciary to safeguard democracy in Nigeria. Speaking at the 9th convocation of Gregory University, Uturu, where he delivered the lecture titled *“The Judiciary as the Final Arbiter of Electoral Outcomes: Aberrations and Judgements without Justice”*, Ozekhome emphasized the judiciary’s role as the cornerstone of democratic governance.
Addressing the convocation audience, Ozekhome underscored the need for the judiciary to resist external interference and corruption, asserting that it must act as a guardian of fundamental rights and the rule of law.
“The judiciary must remain strong, virile, and independent, free from manipulation by the executive or legislature,” he stated. “Judges must avoid corruption and be provided with good remuneration, housing, and modern equipment, including ICT tools, to ease their work.”
He also introduced the term “judocracy,” which he defined as a system where electoral outcomes are decided in courtrooms rather than through the free will of the people expressed at the ballot box. “This substitution of the judiciary’s will for that of the electorate undermines democracy and must be avoided,” he warned.
### Convocation Highlights
The convocation ceremony saw the graduation of 432 students and featured addresses by key university officials.
– The Chancellor, **Mr. Okechukwu Gregory Ibe (Jnr)**, urged graduates to reflect on their journey, pursue innovation, resilience, and service, stating, “Today marks the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and perseverance. These traits will serve you well in life’s challenges.”
– The Pro-Chancellor, **Prof. Augustine Uwakwe**, encouraged graduates to embrace curiosity, integrity, and lifelong learning. “Education is not just a career path but a tool for imagining and building a better world,” he noted.
– The Vice-Chancellor, **Mrs. Cele Njoku**, highlighted the university’s developmental strides and called for support in critical areas to enhance teaching and learning, including alumni engagement.
### Honorees
The event also celebrated notable Nigerians, including **Prof. Mike Ozekhome SAN**, **Prof. Barth Nnaji**, **Prof. Evaristus Ogechi Anyaehie**, and **Orji Nwafor Orizu**, for their significant contributions to the nation and society.
The ceremony reflected on Gregory University’s commitment to academic excellence and its vision for producing innovative and service-oriented graduates.
