Justice Ayo Salami, a retired jurist, has been awarded the 2025 Human Rights Defender Award by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ). The award was presented to him at his residence in Ilorin, Kwara State, as part of the centre's 20th anniversary celebrations.
The Executive Director of WSCIJ, Motunrayo Alaka, praised Justice Salami for his unwavering integrity and commitment to justice. She noted that the retired jurist was chosen for his courage in defending human rights, particularly in his role as President of the Court of Appeal between 2009 and 2011.
The Publisher of PREMIUM TIMES and co-founder of WSCIJ, Dapo Olorunyomi, highlighted the centre's mission to strengthen investigative journalism and promote accountability in governance. He stated that WSCIJ trains journalists to confront corruption and other societal infractions through investigative reporting.
Justice Salami expressed gratitude for the recognition but raised concerns about the decline of courage within the judiciary. He attributed the weakening of the system to the inability of some judicial officers to stand firm on matters of justice, which has eroded public confidence.
The WSCIJ's recognition of Justice Ayo Salami's commitment to human rights is a testament to the enduring impact of his work as President of the Court of Appeal. However, his concerns about the decline of courage within the judiciary are a stark reminder of the challenges facing the Nigerian justice system. The erosion of public confidence in the judiciary has serious implications for the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Nigeria. As the country marks the United Nations Human Rights Day, it is imperative that the judiciary takes concrete steps to address these concerns and uphold the principles of justice and accountability.
