NJC Denies Surrendering Powers Over Judges’ Appointment and Promotion to State Governors

The National Judicial Council, NJC dismissing a letter that purportedly claimed it had surrendered its statutory powers and functions on judges’ appointments and promotions to state governors.

The NJC said that the letter addressed to the Chief Judge of Kebbi State and purportedly signed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, did not emanate from the council or the CJN  who is the chairman of the council.

A statement today by the NJC’s Director of Information, Soji Oye, said there was no iota of truth in the letter.

He explained that the fake letter had stated that under section 10 of the existing law of Kebbi state 1996, the Governor has the power to determine the Seniority of Judges and the National Judicial Council has no power to override or reverse the decision.

It further stated that the office of the Head of Court or Chief Judge is purely a political appointment to be decided by the Governor of a state.

For clarification and avoidance of doubt, the National Judicial Council emphatically disclaimed the letter, saying there is no iota of truth in it and no such letter ever emanated from the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria or the Council.

He urged the citizens to discountenance the letter and its content.

Oye said the matter had been reported to security operatives for investigation.

He also explained that the Council has reported the unfortunate case to the relevant security agencies with a view to investigate and bring to book whoever is behind the falsification of the letter.