NJC dismisses claims on surrendering powers to appoint judges to state governors

• A letter with the claim was credited to the Council
• NJC says no such letter ever emanated from the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria or the Council
  

  ---

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has refuted a letter that purportedly claimed the surrender of its statutory powers and functions on judges’ appointments and promotions to state governors.

A letter with the claim was credited to the Council and was signed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, of the National Judicial Council, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

The letter was 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,” and addressed to the Chief Judge.

The letter claimed that the governor has the power to determine the seniority of judges under Section 10 of the existing law of Kebbi State in 1996 and that NJC lacked the jurisdiction to challenge or overturn the governor’s decisions.

It added 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.”

Meanwhile, NJC disclaimed the letter through its spokesperson, Soji Oye, saying that “there is no iota of truth in it.”

Oye stated that no such letter ever emanated from the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria or the Council.

He added that the matter had been reported to security agencies for investigation and bringing to book whoever was behind the act.

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