AE-FUNAI Law Faculty Holds 3rd Dinner, Calls for Independent Judiciary

The Faculty of Law, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, has held its 3rd annual law dinner, with a strong call for the independence of the judiciary as a means to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.

The event, held at Monablis Hotel and Suites, Mile 50, Abakaliki, drew legal practitioners, academics, and students. Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Eseni Azu Udu, said the dinner had become a tradition since his assumption of office, noting that the faculty has recorded notable achievements, including representing Nigeria at the 16th Nelson Mandela International Moot Court competition in Geneva, Switzerland.

He added that 300-level students would soon be posted to law chambers across the country for practical training, and announced approval for the commencement of postgraduate programmes in PGD, LLM, and PhD Law.

Chairman of the occasion, Michael Odoh Esq., described the law dinner as essential for legal training, etiquette, and networking, while warning that absence or misconduct could attract sanctions.

Delivering the keynote address on the theme “The Law, the Bench and the People: A Critical Analysis of the Judiciary’s Role in Shaping Democracy in Nigeria,” former Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, Hon. Justice Anselm Nwaigwe, stressed that an independent judiciary is vital for a thriving democracy. He listed its core roles to include:

• Clarifying constitutional and legal ambiguities
• Upholding the rule of law
• Ensuring checks and balances between arms of government
• Guaranteeing electoral justice
• Protecting fundamental human rights
• Preventing executive excesses and harmful policies

Nwaigwe identified corruption and unqualified appointments as major threats to judicial independence, urging reforms to strengthen the third arm of government.

The evening also featured awards of excellence to distinguished individuals, including AE-FUNAI Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom, honoured as Icon of Legal Education for his contributions to institutional legal development. Other recipients included Hon. Justice Chinyere Ken Eze, Hon. Justice Anselm Nwaigwe, and Engr. Chidi Onwe Ogah.