In light of allegations made by Justice Musa Datijo, a former member of the Supreme Court, that the Chief Justice of Nigeria possesses vast authority that could sabotage the legal process, the House of Representatives has reaffirmed its willingness to examine the claims and determine what is best for the country’s judicial system.
Judge Datijo, who was a member of the supreme court bench until recently, expressed last week that, considering the monitoring he performs for several legal institutions nationwide, the CJN’s powers ought to be reduced.
“As it is currently organized, the CJN is the Chairman of the National Judicial Commission, which oversees both the appointment and discipline of judges,” Justice Dattijo stated during a valedictory session held in his honor on Friday. In addition, he serves as chair of the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, which selects Nigeria’s Senior Advocates, the National Judicial Institute, and the Federal Judicial Service Commission.
“I firmly believe that no one person should be able to perform the supervision duties of these agencies alone. It is stated that someone endowed with total power corrupts completely and readily.
In addition to assignments to the council, board, and commitment members, he is the chair of the NJC, FJSC, NJI, and LPPC. He has the last say on all matters pertaining to these entities and never consults with other justices or requests their advice or input.
Eighty percent of the council members and sixty percent of the FJSC members may be appointed by the CJN. The same holds true for LPPC and NJI.
Justice Datijo demanded a paradigm change, stating that such vast powers “are effortlessly abused” and that “this needs to change.” Persistently disputing the presence of this concerning irregularity undermines the efficacious judicial supervision inside the nation.
“We are worried about the Datijo’s revelations, but as of right now, it’s just an allegation,” he stated.
When asked if the House Committee on Judiciary will consider the points Datijo raised during the next constitutional amendment process, Oke responded, “We will look into the issues.” We are currently working on a referral that we already have. It has to do with the insufficient number of justices at the Supreme Court and the Appellate Court, which has impeded the prompt and effective administration of justice in Nigeria.
Senior attorneys have, in the meantime, advocated for judicial reform and a constitutional amendment that would deprive the CJN of certain authority.
