…Seeks Urgent Intervention in Ekiti Chief Judge Appointment

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

ABUJA — Citizens Gavel, a frontline civil society organisation advocating for justice and transparency in Nigeria, has commended the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for their firm stance in safeguarding judicial integrity.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Senior Legal Analyst, Sylvester Agih, the group applauded the NJC’s recent decision to compulsorily retire ten judges in Imo State for various acts of indiscipline, including falsification of dates of birth and unconstitutional appointments.

“This decisive action reflects the CJN’s vision for a reformed judiciary, free from corruption and bias, as articulated in her recent calls for urgent reforms to restore public trust,” the statement read.

Citizens Gavel also lauded the NJC’s directive to the Imo State Governor to appoint the most senior judicial officer as Acting Chief Judge, in accordance with Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution. The group said the move underscores the Council’s zero-tolerance approach to indiscipline and its commitment to fairness and accountability under the leadership of Justice Kekere-Ekun.

However, the organisation raised serious concerns about developments in Ekiti State, where it alleged that the most senior judge, Hon. Justice Jubril Babajide Aladejana—appointed in November 1998—was bypassed in the nomination process for the position of Chief Judge. Instead, two junior judges—Hon. Justice Adekanye Lekan Ogunmoye (appointed in April 2010) and Hon. Justice Ogunyemi Olusegun Isaac—were recommended by the Ekiti State Judicial Service Commission.

“This apparent breach of judicial seniority and constitutional norms risks eroding public confidence in the judiciary,” the group warned.

Citizens Gavel called on the NJC to investigate the allegations in Ekiti with the same rigor demonstrated in Imo.

“We urge the NJC to ensure the appointment process adheres strictly to established judicial conventions and constitutional provisions by directing the Ekiti State Governor to appoint the most senior judicial officer, Hon. Justice Aladejana, as Chief Judge,” the statement continued.

The group also called for sanctions against any judicial officers or officials found culpable of violating due process in the appointment process.

Citizens Gavel concluded by reaffirming its commitment to promoting a transparent, accountable, and equitable judiciary in Nigeria.

“The NJC’s swift action in Imo has set a commendable precedent. We trust it will apply the same standards in Ekiti to uphold consistency and public trust in Nigeria’s judicial system,” the statement added.