“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest it,” so counselled Elie Wiesel. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” by Martin Luther King, Jr.
These powerful words remind us that the fight for a just world is an ongoing struggle, a baton passed from one generation to the next. Today, let’s reflect on the profound and painful experience of dealing with a justice system that, paradoxically, promotes injustice.
Do you know that a justice system, intended to be a beacon of fairness, can be a breeding ground for systemic oppression? When its core tenets of impartiality and equality are compromised, it ceases to be a system of justice and becomes a tool of power. We see this in disproportionate sentencing, the criminalization of poverty, and the biased application of the law, where one’s race, social status, or wealth determines the outcome. According to Dele Farotimi, a lawyer and author, “The Nigerian judiciary is the foundation of the impunity that has overtaken our country and it must be redeemed before we might be able to regain our liberties.” Such a system doesn’t just fail; it actively harms, shattering lives and eroding the public’s trust in the very institutions designed to protect them. It’s a betrayal of the social contract, creating a cycle of trauma and marginalization that is difficult to break.
So, enhance your capacity to critically analyze legal processes and institutional biases, and let this knowledge fuel your advocacy. Recognize that he or she who celebrates injustice today may be a victim of it tomorrow. Know that it is not enough to be a passive observer; we must become active participants in the pursuit of fairness. This can take many forms: supporting organizations that champion legal reform, volunteering to help those without adequate representation, promoting fairness, equity, objectivity and sincerity anywhere you are, or simply speaking out against what is wrong. By becoming a voice for the voiceless and standing in solidarity with those who are oppressed, we can challenge the status quo and demand accountability from those in power. We must remember that true justice is not just about punishment; it is about restoration, equity, and the unwavering belief in the inherent dignity of every human being. Never forget that in a society where people have lost faith in the judicial process, resort to self help or anarchy may be unavoidable and where this is the case, it may be challenging to define who would be the victims and the depth of descent of lawlessness.
As you step out each day, may you be a source of justice in your interactions and a voice for those who have been silenced. May you recognize that the fight against injustice is not a distant concern but an immediate responsibility that begins with empathy and ends with action. Go forth and be a catalyst for change, knowing that even the smallest act of resistance contributes to the greater tapestry of a more just world.
- Esitikot is a professor of occupational health and safety, a COREN-registered chemical engineer, public affairs analyst, UN Ambassador for Peace, certified management consultant, World Safety Organization Ambassador, recognized Environmental Ambassador, marriage counsellor, youth mentor, reviewer for some international research journals and volunteer lecturer at the Institute of Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He is a manager in the oil and gas industry and was recognized by Highstone Global University, USA as the occupational health and safety personality of 2024. He can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only) or email (esitikot@gmail.com).
