When a Chief as a local government authority assumes the position of president of a district tribunal, the principle of separation of powers is violated because the Chief as an administrator also assumes a judicial function.
Under these circumstances it becomes difficult for the chief as a judicial officer to be fair, impartial, just and transparent in the delivery of justice while performing his or her judicial functions; and would rather have the tendency to weaponise judicial power against political and other opponents to serve either his or her personal interest or the power that be. The delivery of justice without fear or favour, affection or ill will would then become a dead end and tyranny would become the order of the day.
Rural justice must be reflected on as we move on to the Third Republic.
