The Center for Democracy and Development (CDD) has requested a review of the process to appoint the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and other judges.
The selection process for judges in Nigeria has been the subject of intense debate between lawyers and civil society activists, who allege a disregard for competence and merit.
Amid the controversies that preceded Tanko Muhammad’s resignation as CJN, the CDD said: “The process of appointing judges at all levels, including the CJN, needs to be reviewed,” calling for “competence and integrity.”
Fourteen Supreme Court Justices, in a letter of protest, accused Mr. Muhammad of neglecting his well-being as well as operational challenges that hamper the effective adjudication of cases.
Shortly after the judges’ complaints became public, Mr. Muhammad resigned, paving the way for the high court’s next most senior judge, Olukayode Ariwoola, to be sworn in by President Muhammadu Buhari on June 27.
In a statement released Monday by three CDD fellows, Adele Jinadu, Jibrin Ibrahim and Okey Ibeanu, the center noted that the “excessive powers of the Chief Justice of Nigeria in controlling the Supreme Court and Judicial Court National The council must be reviewed”.
He also called for a better condition of service for judicial officials, while advocating for an adequate guarantee of tenure in office “to insulate them from political and social pressures and corrupting influences.”
‘Ex-CJN did not resign alone’
Following the controversies that followed Muhammad’s departure, the CDD said “there have been allegations, rumors of bribery and undue interference by his (Muhammad’s) family in the work of the Supreme Court.”
The center said there is “no evidence to support” the allegations, but “speculation suggests he did not resign of his own free will.”
The former CJN had based his resignation on reasons of ill health.
Analyzing the implication of the letter of protest of the 14 judges, the CDD said that “the (former) CJN had lost the respect of practically all the judges of the Supreme Court.”
The interference of the executive in the functions of the judiciary
The center lamented the “challenge to the constitutional principle of separation of powers and the integrity and independence of the judiciary.”
Recalling the controversial dismissal of a former CJN, Walter Onnoghen, in 2019, the center said: “The not-so-hidden hands of the Presidency have also often been seen in the appointment and dismissal of judicial officials.”
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He added that state judiciaries are grappling with the issue of governors’ interference.
Citing midnight raids on judges’ homes in 2016, the center noted: “Attacks on the homes of senior judicial officials, including Supreme Court justices, have indicated executive agency in harassing and intimidating judges. power of attorney”.
“There is a challenge to the constitutional principle of separation of powers and the integrity and independence of the judiciary,” he said.
On the issue of corruption, the center expressed concern that it has “penetrated the judiciary and threatens to compromise the entire justice system.”
He alleged that “judges have become very welcoming to politicians and prominent members of society.”