The National Judicial Council (NJC) has refuted a viral letter that purportedly suggests a transfer of statutory powers and functions related to the appointment and promotion of judges to state governors.
In a statement released on Sunday, Soji Oye, NJC’s Director of Information, declared that the letter dated July 14, 2023, and allegedly signed by Olukayode Ariwoola, Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of NJC, is entirely baseless.
According to the NJC, the letter, which includes recommendations for the appointment of Umar Abubakar as the substantive Chief Judge of Kebbi and outlines details about the order of seniority, did not originate from their organization.
The statement read, “The fabricated letter titled ‘Order of Seniority of Judges of the High Court of Kebbi State and Recommendation of Justice Umar Abubakar as the Substantive Chief Judge of Kebbi State,’ addressed to the Chief Judge, claims that, ‘under section 10 of the existing law of Kebbi State 1996, the Governor holds the authority to determine the seniority of judges, and the NJC lacks the authority to challenge or reverse the Governor’s decision.'”
“It further asserts that the role of the head of the court/chief judge is purely a political appointment to be determined by the state’s governor.”
“For the sake of clarity and to eliminate any uncertainty, the NJC hereby categorically denies any association with the letter, as there is absolutely no truth to its contents.”
Such a letter never originated from the Chief Justice of Nigeria or the Council. The public is urged to disregard the letter and its contents.”
Oye additionally mentioned that the NJC has reported this “regrettable incident” to the appropriate security agencies for investigation, with the intention of identifying and penalizing those responsible for the letter.
