By Oyewale Bukunmi
Justice, a concept that has intrigued scholars and thinkers across the ages, remains a multifaceted and elusive ideal, especially in the diverse tapestry of African societies. What does justice truly entail? At its core, justice emerges as a moral ideal and a fundamental virtue, representing the equitable distribution of rewards and punishments, ensuring that each individual receives their rightful due. Conversely, injustice rears its ugly head when individuals are denied these rights under the cloak of legality. Justice stands as a critical pillar in any society, signifying an invaluable yet vast arm of government, both in terms of its significance and the resources required to uphold it. However, the promise of justice can only be realized when citizens and institutions enjoy unfettered access to the institutions that uphold it. A sobering statistic from the World Justice Project in 2019 reveals that approximately two-thirds of the global population, totalling 5.1 billion people, lack meaningful access to justice. Among them, 1.4 billion grapple with unresolved criminal, civil, or administrative justice issues, while 253 million endure extreme conditions of injustice.
The challenges of achieving justice are acutely exemplified in the context of Nigeria, where high-profile corruption cases often languish in frustration, further exacerbated by glaring disparities in punishments based on societal class. The painful reality unfolds before us: a VIP absconds with millions, facing minimal consequences, while a poor individual caught stealing a loaf of bread may be condemned to 30 years in prison. This stark contrast highlights the pervasive nature of injustice and its corrosive impact. The cost of injustice in contemporary African nations has reached unprecedented heights, pushing developing countries to grapple with the elusive hand of justice, only to find themselves plunged further into the abyss of injustice. Leaders, who frequently boast of their achievements built upon the tears of the masses, perpetuate a cycle of injustice, attempting to construct justice on the shaky foundation of its very antithesis.
The narrative extends to the political realm, where the quest for justice becomes a mirage in institutions such as the House of God, security offices, and courts of law. African leaders navigate a complex political landscape where the vast waters of leadership obscure their vision. In the realm of African politics, justice, though seemingly elusive, remains a tangible force omnipresent in every facet of life. Today’s youth, driven by high spirits and a penchant for criticizing those in power, confront the intoxicating allure of authority. Yet, the misconception that the future is a stage of certainties and success unravels, revealing it to be an unforeseeable sequence of variables.
The price of justice in contemporary African states transcends the mere act of voting; it resides in the very hearts of the electorate. There exists an inherent faith among the populace to vote for candidates who peddle lies in the form of grand manifestos, riding the horse of injustice before the people. The pressing question persists: Can justice find its place in African history?
This article posits that futile attempts to achieve justice necessitate patience and strategic timing before altering the fabric of the moment. The metaphorical warning against using the linen of erstwhile masters to sew a coat for the land underscores the dangers inherent in succumbing to the fruit of injustice, which, when unleashed upon a country, preys upon the hearts of the just, not the unjust. In stark reality, voting for a candidate based on an appealing but deceptive manifesto is, in itself, an act of injustice.
The discourse on justice in African societies becomes both a punchline for the electorate and a complex, often perilous, program for political leaders, highlighting the multifaceted challenges and paradoxes deeply ingrained in the pursuit of justice.
In the complex landscape of African societies, the quest for justice remains a formidable challenge, beset by disparities, frustrations, and contradictions. It is only through a collective and persistent effort that justice can find its rightful place, serving as the cornerstone upon which prosperous and equitable African societies can be built. As we continue to navigate this intricate tapestry, we must remember that the pursuit of justice is not merely an ideal; it is a necessity for the betterment of all.
