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Tag: National Judicial Council (NJC

  • NJC to Buhari: appoint Muhammad as substantive CJN

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad to President Muhammadu Buhari for confirmation as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

    It was learnt that the NJC chose Justice Muhammad ahead of the second most senior Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, who was interviewed with Justice Muhammad.

    Justice Muhammad’s choice was said to have been in furtherance of the tradition of succession by seniority.

    Justice Muhammad was appointed as acting CJN following the suspension of Justice Walter Onnoghen who was arraigned by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) for some infractions in his assets declaration forms.

    Justice Onnoghen was found guilty by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), which recommended him for sack.

    But the President later accepted the voluntary retirement which the former CJN tendered earlier while on suspension and before the conclusion of his trial by the CCT.

    In a statement on Wednesday, NJC’s spokesman Soji Oye said the recommendation of Justice Muhammad for CJN was among many other decisions taken at the emergency meeting of the Council.

    Oye said the NJC also recommended names of judges to be appointed as Chief Judges and Grand Kadis for Lagos, Sokoto, Anambra, Ebonyi, Niger, Taraba, Kano and Jigawa states.

    For Lagos, the NJC recommended Justice Kazeem O. Alogba: Justice Muhammad S. Sifawa (Sokoto); Justice Ijem Onwuamaegbu (Anambra); Justice Nwaigwe A. Anselm (Ebonyi); Justice Aliyu M. Mayaki (Niger) and Justice Filibus B. Andetur (Taraba).

    Read Also: Acting CJN justifies Onnoghen’s suspension

    The NJC recommended Justice Filibus B. Andetur for appointment as the Grand Khadi, Sharia Court of Appeal, Kano and Kadi Isa Jibrin Gantsa as the Grand Khadi, Sharia Court of Appeal, Jigawa.

    Oye said the newly appointed heads of courts would be sworn-in after the approval of the President and the Governors and confirmation by the Senate and state Houses of Assembly.

    He said the NJC also received retirement notifications from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court;  Chief Judges of Gombe, Edo, Niger and Ebonyi states.

    Oye added that the NJC also received retirement notices from the Acting Chief Judge of Kebbi State and nine other judges from the Federal High Court and High Courts of Gombe, Delta, Edo, Imo, Benue and Katsina states.

    The NJC, Oye said, commended Buhari for his unequivocal position on the financial autonomy for the states’ judiciary and called on the governors to, as a matter of urgency, begin its immediate implementation.

    Oye added that the NJC was of the view that the need for the governors to respect the financial autonomy of the judiciary “is not only in line with the constitutional dictates, but presently the judicial position.”

     

  • Judge withdraws from trial of ex-Bayelsa security adviser

    Justice Ineikade Eradiri of the Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa has withdrawn from the ongoing trial of a former Bayelsa Security Adviser, Chief Perekeme Kpodoh.

    Eradiri recused himself following allegations of bias and judicial misconduct levelled against him before the National Judicial Council (NJC).

    He was the presiding Judge in the two count of alleged rape, filed against Chief Kpodoh by the state government.

    At the resumed hearing Monday, Eradiri, who was scheduled to deliver ruling on an application to disqualify himself from the case announced his withdrawal from the case.

    He also said the case file would be returned to the Chief Judge of the State for necessary actions.

    Eradiri was quoted as saying that he responded to the allegations of alleged judicial rascality leveled against him before the NJC.

    He, however, said he could no longer continue with the case because the issue was already in the public domain and under investigation.

    Kpodoh, in his petition before the NJC accused Eradiri of judicial misconduct and failing to comply with the rules of the court.

    Read Also: INEC shifts Bayelsa, Kogi guber polls to Nov 16

    In a letter confirming receipt of the petition, the NJC assured Kpodoh of speedy investigation. 

    The petitioner alleged that the conduct of the judge in a case of alleged rape brought against him was a clear case of conspiracy with the state government to indict him by all mean for political gains. 

    In the two-page petition Kpodoh, prayed the NJC to leveled appropriate action against the judge, insisting that Eradiri was part of conspiracy to convict him.

  • Breaking: CCT says it has jurisdiction to try Onnoghen

    The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has held that he has the power to try the former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen on charges of breach of code of conduct for public prosecution.

    The tribunal said it was trying Onnoghen as a public officer, not as a judicial officer.

    Hence it said there was no need to first refer the charge against him to the National Judicial Council (NJC).

    In two ruling on Thursday, tribunal’s Chairman, Danladi Umar dismissed two motions by Onnoghen.

    The first challenged the tribunal’s jurisdiction to try Onnoghen when the allegations against him had not been presented before the NJC.

    The second asked the tribunal Chairman to recuse himself from further sitting on the case on the grounds that he had been charged with demanding bribe.

    Read Also: Onnoghen’s resignation not enough – SANs

    Umar, in the ruling, said the he has been absolved of the allegation that he demanded bribe from a defendant.

    He added it was impossible for the Chairman to step down from a case, because where there is no Chairman, there is no tribunal.

    The tribunal Chairman also held that the CCT is not under any supervision of any body, including the NJC and therefore, not subject to the directive of the NJC.

    Umar reversed the tribunal’s earlier judgment in the case of Justice Sylvester Ngwuta on the grounds that its finding in the Ngwuta case was based wrong legal principles and narrow interpretation of statute.

    The judgment in the Ngwuta case had upheld the Court of Appeal judgment in the case of Justice H. Nganjiwa, to the effect that any allegation of misconduct against a serving judicial officer must first be referred to the NJC.

    ‎Umar is currently reading the tribunal’s judgment in the substantive trial.

     

    Details shortly…

  • NJC, Obiano hail Umeadi on retirement

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) and Anambra State Governor Willie Maduabuchi Obiano have congratulated immediate past Chief Judge of Anambra State, Peter Nnanna C. Umeadi, on his voluntary retirement.

    The NJC, in an October 5, 2018 letter signed by Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, said:  “With reference to your letter No. S.307/Vol.1/349 dated 18th July, 2018 in which you notified the NJC of your voluntary retirement from the Judicial Service of Anambra State with effect from 28th February, 2019, the NJC had at its recent meeting, which was held on 2nd and 3rd October, 2018 deliberated on the subject matter and noted your retirement from Service with effect from the afore-stated date.

    “Further, Council wishes you happy retirement, after putting in years of dedicated and meritorious service to, particularly, Anambra State Judiciary.”

    Governor Obiano said he received Justice Umeadi’s retirement with mixed feelings.

    “It is with mixed feelings and a very deep sense of nostalgia that I acknowledge receipt of your above referenced letter, considering the very warm and cordial relationship I have shared with you since my assumption of office as the Governor of Anambra State in March 2014, and you as the Chief Judge.

    “Your Lordship was sworn in as a Judge of High Court of Anambra State on 17th of January, 1997 and later elevated as the Acting Chief Judge of Anambra State.

    “My Lord, it is with great pride that I wish to note that in all these years of your service to the State, you distinguished yourself as a man of great honour and integrity.

    “You were blunt, fearless and dispensed Justice without fear or favour, affection or ill-will to all manner of persons.

    “Your Lordship never shied to express his vies and opinions, and as strongly as you desired in any matter.

    “As the man at the helm of affairs in the judiciary, Your Lordship held the judiciary so dear to his heart that the judiciary in Anambra State maintained a good image and commanded the respect of not only the other arms of government but the entire public.”

    The governor said there was no doubt that an independent, fearless and impartial judiciary is the greatest pillar of any democratic government.

    “It is also beyond dispute that respect for the rule of law is one of the principles which has come to be regarded as essential to the effective and just operation of a populist government as ours in Anambra State.

    “The Judiciary remains the epicenter of conflict resolution and decision making that enhances group survival and social solidarity.

    “In accepted common usage, the judiciary is that organ of government which is concerned with the administration and dispensation of justice. I make bold to state that Your Lordship did your very best to ensure that the Judiciary in Anambra State under your watch attained an enviable height in the discharge of these roles.

    “You are indeed a quintessential jurist, and your judiciary career will always remain a reference point for exemplary, dedicated and selfless service in the dispensation of justice.

    “I most sincerely wish you a very happy retirement after putting in well over two decades of unblemished and meritorious service in the Anambra State Government, the country and indeed humanity.

    “May the Good Lord continue to endow you with good health and blessings now and in all your future endeavours,” Obiano wrote.

    Justice Umeadi, a Life Bencher, retained his position on the Global Council of World Jurists Association (WJA) as President for another term of  two  years (2019-2021).

    He was re-elected at the XXVI Biennial Congress in Spain from February 19-21 2019.

    Dr. Javier Germades, formerly Vice President for WJA Europe, was named the President Worldwide of WJA.

    The prestigious “world, peace and liberty award” was bestowed on him by King Felipe VI of Spain.

    The President of the Supreme Court of Justice of Venezuela in exile, Justice Miguel Angel Martin Tortabu, is Vice President of WJA and would join Justice Umeadi as Trustees to register the group for the WJA at Abuja.

    Justice Umeadi further retained his position as the representative of the WJA to the United Nations (UN) at Geneva.

  • Breaking: NJC to decide Onnoghen, Muhammad’s fate Wednesday

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has fixed February 13 for its possible decision on the petitioners against the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen and the Acting CJN, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad.

    The body, which rose a moment ago from its emergency meeting, elected to constitute a Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee in accordance with its Regulation 17, to consider the responses from Onnoghen and Muhammad.

    The NJC, in a statement by its spokesman, Soji Oye, also forwarded a fresh petition from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Onnoghen to him for his response.

    The statement reads: “The National Judicial Council reconvened today in an Emergency Meeting to consider the responses of Hon. Mr. Justice W.S.N. Onnoghen, GCON and Hon. Mr. Justice I.T. Muhammad, CFR to the three petitions written against them.

    Read Also:  CCT insists on Onnoghen’s appearance

    “Members resolved to constitute a Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee, in accordance with Regulation 17 of the National Judicial Council Judicial Discipline Regulations, 2017 and report to Council on the 13th of February 2019.

    “The Council will reconvene on Wednesday, 13th February, 2019.

    “Council also received a new petition written by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Hon. Mr. Justice W.S.N. Onnoghen, GCON and forwarded it to him for his response within seven (7) working days.

    “Council reaffirmed its confidence in Hon. Mr. Justice Umaru Abdullahi, CON and continues under his Interim Chairmanship.”

  • NJC seeks elevation of Justice Abbaji Aji to Supreme Court

    …Recommends appointment of Chief Judges for Abia, Benue, Ogun

     

    …Okays 3 new judges for Ogun High Court

     

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Justice Uwani Musa Abba Aji to President Muhammadu Buhari, for appointment as Justice of the Supreme Court.

    The recommendation formed part of the decisions taken at the 87th meeting of the NJC held in Abuja between October 3 and 4 this year.

    Justice Abba Aji, currently of the Enugu division of the Court of Appeal, is from Yobe State.

    He was one of the eight judicial officers, who were directed by the NJC, to excuse themselves from duties, effective from November 2, 2016 on the request of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) pending the outcome of their investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS), on corruption allegation.

    Justice Abba Aji was among those the NJC, at its 82nd meeting held between May 31 and June 1, 2017, directed to resume their duties on June 7, 2017 on the grounds that no charges were brought against them by the AGF at the conclusion of their investigation.

    NJC, in its June 2, 2017 statement, directing Justice Abba Aji and others to resume duties, said: “To maintain the integrity and sanctity of the judiciary and sustain public confidence, the judicial officers were directed to excuse themselves from office with effect from 2nd November, 2016.

    “After deliberation, NJC noted that, out of the judicial officers directed to excuse themselves from performing their official duties, only three have been charged to court.”

    NJC’s Director, Information, Soji Oye said, in a statement on Friday that the council also, at the 87th meeting, recommended the appointment of Chief Judges for Abia, Benue and Ogun states.

    He said the council equally recommended the appointment of three judges for the High Court of Ogun State; President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Oyo State and the appointment of a Grand Kadi for the Sharia Court of Appeal, Kwara State.

    For the post of the Chief Judge of Abia State, NJC recommended Justice Onuoha Arisa Kalu Ogwe; it also recommended Justice Aondover Kaka’an as the Chief Judge of Benue State and Justice Mosunmola Arinola Dipeolu as Chief Judge of Ogun State.

    The NJC recommended the appointment of Justices Oludayo Olubamise Osunfisan, Olusola Stephen Oloyede and Olatunde Hassan Oyajinmi as judges of the High Court of Ogun State.

    For the position of the President, Customary Court of Appeal, Oyo State, the NJC recommended Justice Eni Esan, while it recommended Zakariyah Abdulrasaq for the post of Grand Kadi, Sharia Court of Appeal, Kwara State.

    Oye said: “the newly appointed candidates will be sworn-in after the approval of the President and their respective state governors, as the case may be.”

     

     

  • Breaking: NJC recommends dismissal of two judges

    …Directs one to refund two years’ pay

    …Dismisses petitions against Justice Kafarati, others

     

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the dismal of two judges to President Muhammadu Buhari having been found guilty of misconduct.

    The judges are Justices Rita N. Ofili-Ajumogobia (of the Federal High Court) and James T. Agbadu-Fishim (of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria).

    This is the first time, in recent time that the NJC would recommend the dismissal of an erring judge.

    Past recommendations had always been for compulsory retirement.

    Rising from its 87th meeting held on Wednesday, the NJC also directed Justice Joshua E. Ikede of the Delta State High Court to refund what he earned as salary and other entitlements since October 2016.

    Read Also:How to stop corruption trial delays, by NJC panel

    The NJC said it found that Justice Ikede altered his age. It rejected the retirement letter sent to it on October 1 this year by the judge.

    NJC’s Director, Information, Soji Oye said in a statement Thursday that the investigation of Justices Ofili-Ajumogobia and Agbadu-Fishim was based on petitions written against them by the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.

    The NJC said the petitioner alleged that Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia is a Director/Chief Executive Officer and sole signatory to Nigel and Colive Company contrary to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    It said there was also allegation that several personalities, individuals, government officials and business partners lodged funds into various accounts belonging to the judge.

    The NJC said it was also alleged that there was an ex-parte communication between the judge and Mr. Godwin Oblah, SAN, during the pendency of his matter before the judge.

    The council said it could not consider other allegations in the petition because they are already before a court where the judge is standing trial. It left those matters for the trial to take its legal course.

    Oye said Justice Agbadu-Fishim  “was also recommended for removal by dismissal from office sequel to the findings of the council on the allegations contained in another petition by the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleging that the Hon. Judge received various sums of money from litigants and lawyers that had cases before him, and some influential Nigerians, under the false pretence that he was bereaved or that there was delay in the payment of his salary.

    “This is contrary to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “In the interim, the Council, in exercise of its disciplinary powers under paragraph 21 (d) of the Third Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, has suspended Hon. Mr. Justices R. N. Ofili-Ajumogobia and James T. Agbadu-Fishim with immediate effect pending their removal from office by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    On Justice Ikede, Oye said: “Council rejected the letter of voluntary retirement, purported to be with effect from the 1st of October 2018, submitted to it by Hon. Mr. Justice Joshua E. Ikede of the Delta State High Court.

    “This followed the findings on an allegation of falsification of age contained in a petition written by Zik Gbemre, National Co-ordinator of Niger Delta Peace Coalition. Council found that the Hon. Judge ought to have retired since 1st October 2016.

    “Consequently, it backdated his retirement to 2016 and recommended to the Government of Delta State to deduct from the retirement benefits of the judge, all salaries received by him from October, 2016 till date and remit it to NJC which pays salaries of all Judicial Officers in the federation.

    “Council also decided to issue a letter of advice to Hon. Mr. Justice K. C. Nwakpa of High Court of Abia State to guard against unwarranted utterances in matters before him.

    “This was as a result of a complaint to the council by one Princewill Ukegbu.

    “Council considered the reports of various Investigation Committees and dismissed the petitions written against Hon. Mr. Justice Yusuf Halilu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory; Hon. Mr. Justice E. O. Osinuga of the High Court of Ogun State, and Hon. Mr. Justice E. O. Ononeze-Madu of the High Court of Imo State.

    “The petition by Wema Bank against Hon. Mr. Justice Yusuf Halilu of the FCT High Court was dismissed because the allegation of misconduct was not established.

    “The judge’s handling of the related matter did not amount to the alleged misconduct.

    “The petition on allegation of inducement, bias and alteration of ruling written by David Olawepo Efunwape, Esq. against Hon. Mr. Justice E. O. Osinuga of High Court, Ogun State was found to be false.

    “Council, therefore, decided to report David Olawepo Efunwape, Esq., to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) for appropriate sanctions for making false allegations against a judge.

    “The petition written by Hon. Eugene Okechukwu Dibiagwu against Hon. Mr. Justice E. O. Ononeze Madu was dismissed by the council for lack of merit. “Council also decided to warn the petitioner and asked him to apologise to the Hon. Judge for the false allegation of inducement.

    “New petitions written against twenty-six (26) judicial officers from the Federal and State High Courts were considered by council, after which it resolved to empanel four (4) Committees to investigate.

    “The remaining petitions were summarily dismissed for obvious and manifest lack of merit, being subjudice, concerning administrative matters, or that such petitions were matters for appeal.

    “The dismissed petitions were against Hon. Mr. Justice J. O. Bada, Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Benin Division, Hon. Mr. Justice Abdul-Kafarati, Chief Judge, Federal High Court and Hon. Mr. Justices I. N. Buba, H. R. Shagari, R. M. Aikawa, O. E. Abang (all of the Federal High Court) and  Hon. Mr. Justice Marshal Umukoro, Chief Judge, Delta State.

    “Others are  Hon. Mr. Justice E. G. Timi also of the Delta State High Court; Hon. Mr. Justice S. U. Dikko, Chief Judge, Nasarawa State; Hon. Mr. Justice P. N. C. Umeadi, Chief Judge, Anambra State, Hon. Mr. Justices A. O. Opesanwo and A. J. Coker (both of Lagos State High Court); Hon. Mr. Justice C. I. Gabriel Nwankwo, President, Customary Court of Appeal, River State, Hon. Mr. Justices C. A. Okirie and G. O. Omeji both of River State High Court, Hon. Mr. Justice Iniabasi Udobong of High Court, Akwa-Ibom State, Hon. Mr. Justice S. O. Falola of High Court, Osun State, Hon. Grand Kadi, Sokoto State, Hon. Mr. Justice I. B. Ahmed of Katsina State High Court and Hon. Mr. Justice Patricia Mahmoud formerly of the Kano State High Court before her elevation to the Court of Appeal.”

  • Masari tasks Judiciary on quick dispensation of Justice

    Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina state has charged the judiciary to ensure quick dispensation of justice through timely delivery of judgments and avoidance of prolonged adjournments

    Masari who gave the admonition while swearing in the newly appointed state chief judge, Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar, further urged members of the bench particularly, to maintain their enviable reputation as men of conscience that are fair, just and firm in the discharge of their responsibilities.

    Recall that the swearing of Justice Abubakar followed his confirmation by the National Judicial Council (NJC) as the Chief Judge of Katsina State. His swearing in, followed the retirement of former chief Judge, Justice Abdullahi Yusuf, as Chief Judge of the state. Abubakar was until his appointment, the Judge of the Katsina state High Court.

    Read Also:Alleged non-declaration of assets: CCT frees Justice Ngwuta

    The chief judge, who was sworn in alongside Al-hafiz Mika’il Abubakar as the state Grand Khadi, was called to bar in 1982 and began his legal career with Kaduna state Ministry of Justice as pupil state counsel.

    At the swearing in ceremony at Government House, Governor Masari said the state would continue to pray for the chief judge and the grand khadi to enable them to discharge their responsibilities in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    He said, “Your job is the most difficult one, difficult in the sense that you are the last hope for the people of Katsina state. People who know will come before you soliciting for assistance, so in that circumstances one should pray to Allah to guide you in dealing with such cases”.

    The Governor described Justice Abubakar as an erudite jurist, whose experience and practice of the legal profession has been a reproach, stressing that he has over the years established an enviable reputation as a man of conscience who is fair, just and firm in the discharge of his responsibilities.

     

  • NJC recommends sack of Adamawa judge

    …Recommends appointment of a member for CCT

     

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the compulsory retirement of Justice Michael Goji of the High Court of Adamawa State for refusing to proceed on transfer to the Mubi Judicial Division of the State High Court since July, 2017.

    The NJC, at its  86th meeting which was held on the 8th and 9th May, this year, found Justice Goji guilty of misconduct and recommended his compulsory retirement to the Governor of Adamwa State, Bindo Umaru Jibrilla.

    NJC’s Director, Information, Soji Oye said, in a statement yesterday the council directed that Justice Goji be immediately suspended from office, pending when the governor will effect his compulsory retirement.

    The statement added: “Aside from the recommendation for compulsory retirement, council also directed that he should refund all salaries received by him from July, 2017 till date, failing which the Adamawa State Government is to deduct the amount from any entitlement due to him and remit same to the NJC which pays salaries of all judicial officers in the federation.”

    Oye said the NJC has also recommended the appointment of 21 judges, including a member for the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

    The appointment of a member to the CCT will raise the number of its members to three from the current two.

    The NJC, Oye further said, dismissed petitions against some judicial officers, including Justice Paul Galinje of the Supreme Court, and set up seven panels to investigate petitions by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against judges and others.

    Part of the statement reads: “Council considered the reports of various investigation committees and dismissed petitions written against Hon. Mr. Justice Paul Adamu Galinje of the Supreme Court, Hon. Mr. Justice Aminu Sabo Ringim, Chief Judge, Jigawa State, and Hon. Mr. Justice Peter Umeadi, Chief Judge, Enugu State.

    “The petition against Justice Galinje was dismissed sequel to its withdrawal by Hon. Yaro Abarshi and Hon. John Yobi Yarafa and others, who alleged that he interfered in a chieftaincy matter in Taraba State.

    “The petition against Justice Ringim was also dismissed because the Petitioner, Dr Jamil Gwamna, who wrote to Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, Minister of Power and Works who in turn forwarded same to the National Judicial Council, withdrew the petition.

    “The allegation was that the Hon. Judge ordered the arrest, assault, and detention of staff of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) when they disconnected the electricity at the State High Court and the Judge’s house for non-payment of bills.

    “The committee that investigated the matter found that the petitioner could not show or prove that Justice Ringim instructed or directed the arrest of KEDCO’s staff.

    “Council did not find any reason to further investigate Justices Paul Galinje and Aminu Ringim after the withdrawals.

    “Petitions against various judges were dismissed for lack of establishment of misconduct, being subjudice or that such petitions were matters for appeal.

    “The dismissed petitions were against Hon. Mr. Justices A. I. Chikere and J. T Tsoho, Emeka Nwite and Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court; Hon. Mr. Justice Adetokunbo Banjoko of FCT High Court, Hon. Mr. Justice Taminu Zailani, Chief Judge, Kaduna, Hon. Mr. Justice M. A. Adeigbe, High Court, Osun State (who had already retired from the Bench), and Hon. Mr. Justice E. N. Ogbuiji, High Court, Rivers State.

    “Council at the meeting also recommended 21 judges for appointment as Chief Judges, Grand Kadi, High Court Judges, Sharia Court Kadis, President, Customary Court of Appeal, and one member, Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

    “Council also received the Report of the Performance Evaluation Committee of Judicial Officers of Superior Courts of Record in the Federation on 16 judges invited by the committee to explain their low performance in the last two to four quarters in the year 2017.”

    Read Also: NJC sacks Justices Ademola, Tokode for misconduct

  • Tambuwal swears in four new judges

    Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State on Wednesday swore in four new judges that would serve in the state High Court and the Sharia Court of Appeal.

    Tambuwal, at the ceremony, said that the judges’ appointments followed due process, and all those appointed were qualified legal representatives who merited their positions on the bench.

    He said that judicial officers in the state have shown great determination to ensure effective service delivery.

    The governor said that since inception of the present administration, he has not received any complaint against judicial officers directly or indirectly from the National Judicial Council ( NJC ) or the state Judicial Service Commission ( JSC ).

    “For about a decade now, there was no appointment of judges in Sokoto State.

    “So for us, today’s event is a milestone which will help in strengthening the judiciary.

    “I want to assure you and indeed the legislative arm of government of our continued support and cooperation.

    “This is essential if we hope to ensure rapid development of democracy in the country,” he said.

    While congratulating them, Tambuwal expressed confidence that they would handle their new position of responsibilities with due dignity, integrity and commitment.

    The High Court Judges were: Kabiru Ahmad and Isah Bargaja, while Kasimu Yusuf and Umar Liman Sifawa were sworn in as Khadis of the state Sharia Court of Appeal.

    The event was witnessed by Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Salihu Maidaji, Chief Judge, Justice Bello Abass and the Grand Khadi, Abdulkadir Saidu among other dignitaries.

    NAN