Ratio Decidendi

Per Muntaka-Coomassie, JSC, in Daniel Tayar Trans Ent. Nig. Co. Ltd v. Busari & Anor (2011) NLC-123-179-2003(SC) at pp. 34—35; Paras E—A:

"Judiciary is correctly regarded as the last hope of a common man. A day a Nigerian would believe he would not obtain justice by reason of the ethnic background of the Presiding Judge would mark the beginning of the collapse of our judicial system. What is constant in our judicial system is justice and not ethnicity or tribalism."
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Explanation / Scope

This principle establishes that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man, and justice must not be influenced by ethnicity or tribalism, as such would collapse the judicial system. The principle applies in all judicial proceedings. It ensures that justice is dispensed without ethnic bias. The principle reflects the impartiality of the judiciary. It prevents ethnic considerations. The court must dispense justice. The principle provides guidance on the judiciary.

Cases Applying This Principle

Daniel Tayar Trans Ent. Nig. Co. Ltd. v. Alhaji Liadi Busari & Anor