Rivers: PDP Begs NJC, CJN to intervention

ABUJA—THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has approached the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, praying him to intervene in what it described as “present and imminent miscarriage of justice” with regard to elections in Rivers State.

Nyesom Wike

This came as Rivers State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, accused the state governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike and PDP of blackmailing the judiciary to get favourable judgement at the Appeal Court

Similarly, the CJN warned politicians, especially heads of government, to refrain from disparaging the integrity and reputation of the Judiciary.

CTC

PDP, by a letter forwarded to the CJN through its lawyer, Chief Godwin Obla, SAN, alleged that it had been denied access to the Certified True Copy, CTC, of judgments of the National and State Election Petition tribunals that sat in Abuja and annulled the victory of some of its candidates in the state.

The   letter dated  October 28, 2015, was equally copied to the National Judicial Council, NJC.

Specifically, PDP, sought the intervention of the CJN in respect of the CTC of the judgement in the case between Mr. Wali Belief Azeru vs. Michael Okechukwu Chinda and Dr. Otogwung Dressman vs. INEC and others.

The letter by PDP read: “While we appreciate the peculiar demand of time that may have necessitated such near crippling judicial adventure having to deliver a total of 12 judgments within a space of six hours in a day, it is, however, utterly worrisome that the judgments as pronounced in the open tribunal on the said October 26, 2015, in respect of the two reference petitions above merely pronounced on the award of reliefs without any allusion as to the requisite decision and judicial reasons thereof.

“While one may reasonably attribute the tribunal recourse to such brevity to the exigency of time, it however, falls grossly short of legal requirements mandating the court or tribunal to clearly state the legal principle and decision arrived therefrom upon which the judgment is based, just as it is applicable to the hierarchy of courts where such mode of judgment is countenanced by law, i.e, at the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

“Our worry over the above became more heightened when upon our written application to the tribunal for the CTC of the judgment or in the alternative, a CTC of the hand written judgment to be made available to us, to enable us decide on the required step as promptly as possible, in view of the limited time frame for any subsequent step to challenge the judgment, same was bluntly turned down by the registry of the tribunal as it questioned the visibility of acceding to the grant of the CTC of a document it has no access to even as it also equally raised the issue of directive to the tribunal in the open court that no such request could be acceded until three days after the judgement.”

APC berates PDP

But Rivers State chapter of APC berated the PDP and Governor Nyesom Wike, for allegedly  blackmailing the judiciary to get favourable judgment at the Appeal Court.

APC claimed that Wike’s decision to take on the judges was to soften and blackmail the eminent men and women of the bench to give him a favourable ruling against the judgment that nullified his election last Saturday.

The party, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Chris Finebone, claimed the embattled governor had thrown all caution to the wind by taking on the likes of Justice Mohammed Ambrosa, through direct comments by his media aides and indirectly through faceless and dubious online publications.

The APC statement said: “The PDP, through one of the online publications calledwww.trentonline.com published a fake story titled, DSS Offered Bribe, Threatened Me, Then I Was Sacked From Rivers Tribunal – Justice Pindiga. This fake news story was designed to give credence to the accusation by Wike when his spokesman, Opunabo Inko-Tariah, stated that the Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal chaired by Justice Mohammed Ambrosa, had given the ruling he was asked to give.” The online medium also reported that Justice Pindiga said that the DSS threatened him leading to his sudden replacement as the Chairman of the Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal by Justice Mohammed Ambrosa. The APC notes with relief that Justice Muazu Pindiga has since denied making any such statement or granting any interviews whatsoever to anyone as published.

“Following the decision of the Supreme Court in dismissing Wike’s appeal  on jurisdiction on Tuesday, Governor Wike has unleashed further virulent attacks on the eminent jurists of the apex court when he stated the following through his media adviser, Opunabo Inko-Tariah: “What is going on right now can best be described as judicial gang-up against Governor Wike, nay the people of Rivers State. It is an affront on democracy and a blight disregard for the will of the people in the April 11 general elections. The courts are setting pernicious precedents by hinging their verdicts on inane points. Rivers people overwhelmingly gave their mandate to Governor Wike but a microscopic few want to wrest that mandate from him through the back door.”

APC is curious about the reasoning behind the fact that the judicial system Nyesom Wike is busy denigrating is the same system he hopes to approach for appeal. We doubt what other motive would be behind it other than the usual blackmail and arm-twisting jungle tactic of the PDP band of betrayers and opportunists”

Meanwhile, the CJN, through a statement by his media aide, Mr. Ahuraka Isah, stressed that the warning was against the backdrop of reactions to outcomes of some governorship, National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal matters in the country where some politically exposed persons, state governors and even lawyers to some litigants, averred that the verdicts were influenced by money and political pressure.

Rivers: PDP Begs NJC, CJN to intervention

NBA, CJN Disagree on Corrupt Judges

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, have openly disagreed over allegation of corrupt judicial officers in the country.

The President of the NBA, Augustine Alegeh, (SAN) has accused some judges of rendering judgments for a fee.

But in his speech, which was earlier the CJN, Justice Mohammed, apparently envisaging the NBA’s statement, described the allegation that judges were taking bribes as ’unfortunate unguarded comments’.

They both spoke at special session of the Supreme Court to mark the commencement of the 2015-2016 legal year and the swearing-in of newly conferred Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

Alegeh said: “It is indeed very worrisome that certain judicial officers still engage in rendering judgments for a fee.

“Instances abound where judicial officers have resorted to turning the law on its head and making pronouncements which are at variance with the provisions of the law.

“A few others have formed the bad habit of ignoring judicial precedents even when such authorities are brought to their attention by counsel.

“This trend is quite injurious and erodes the confidence reposed in the judiciary by society.”

He said the association would take the matters as prima facie evidence of corruption.

Earlier, the CJN in his remarks had said the allegation by prominent members of the Bar that some judges were corrupt  was unfortunate.

He said: “I regard as unfortunate unguarded comments of some prominent members of the Bar that the judiciary is corrupt.

“Such comments coming from the members of the Bar means that they know the identity of the corrupt judges and as such, they should fish  them out to be dealt with by the National Judicial Council (NJC).”

The CJN noted that the Bench was a product of the Bar and that unless they both work in synergy to ensure that only fit and proper persons remain in the Bar, it would be impossible to expect a different Bench.

The NBA president however, commended the current leader of the Bench under the CJN for bringing transparency to bear in the appointment of judicial officers.

He said the appointment of judges in the past was shrouded in secrecy.

Alegeh said: “The appointment of judicial officers, a process which was hitherto shrouded in secrecy, has been made more transparent under the present leadership of the Bench.”

Speaking on the ongoing legal battle between Senate PresidentBukola Saraki and the federal government, Alegeh said it was an unnecessary distraction.

“The current face-off between the Code of Conduct Tribunal and the federal high court is an unnecessary distraction at this time.

“The constitutional hierarchy of our courts is well settled and we urge all to respect it. Let wise counsel prevail,” he advised.

Justice Mohammed charged the newly sworn in Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) to display utmost integrity and humility in helping the court to dispense justice.

He said: “I advise you to display undoubted integrity and humility in the performance of your professional calling.

“I therefore call upon you to act commendably, remembering that your privilege is one of high regard and leadership.”

The CJN also advised the new members of the inner Bar to groom their juniors in chambers well, adding that the quality of lawyers and even judges depended on the calibre of young lawyers that we sow.

On the call for the abolition of the rank of SAN, the CJN equally said the conferment of the rank is a privilege conferred in accordance with section 5 (1) of the Legal Practitioners’ Act by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee and as such, a statutorily recognised privilege.

Responding on behalf of conferees, Edward Kunav Shiekaa (SAN) said the new members of the inner Bar valued their elevation.

He pledged not to toy with the privilege.

“It is our responsibility to provide good and quality leadership at the Bar particularly to the young lawyers,” he said.

NBA, CJN Disagree on Corrupt Judges

CJN bars politicians from his office, residence

Probably due to the dispute generated from the visit of the Rivers State Governor, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mohammed, has banned politicians from visiting his office or residence.

 

CJN Mohammed Muktar

In a swift move to stop politicians, particularly governors and legislators with outstanding petitions against them at the election tribunal, the CNJ has since stopped all requests for courtesy calls.

His security detail from the Department of State Service (DSS) and police orderly will henceforth be part of any interaction with Politically Exposed Lawyers seeking audience with him.

This measure, according to findings, is put in place to deprive politicians from dragging the judiciary into politics.

The CJN and justices of the Supreme Court were reportedly affected by the problem the visit of the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike generated

Although the governor who visited the CJN twice did not meet him at the office, but his visit generated some backlash for the judiciary.

According to a source who prefered not to be named, the CJN has warned his aides and household members not to allow any politicians have access to him.

The source said: “Except for his fellow judicial officers, relations and friends, the CJN has banned politicians from visiting his residence. He has limited all transactions or relationship to his office.

“The CJN has also made it a policy to invite a member of the security operatives or aides in his office to henceforth be part of any interaction with Politically-Exposed Lawyers seeking audience with him.

“Once any lawyer is suspected to have come to solicit favour, security agents will now be called upon to witness such an audience.”

It was learnt that the CJN has decided to limit courtesy visits by public officials.

“The new guidelines take immediate effect. The position of the CJN remains the same that the Judiciary must be insulated from politics.

“As a matter of fact, what the public did not know is that the CJN deliberately avoided meeting with Governor Nyesom Wike to avoid dragging the Judiciary into the murky waters of politics.”

The CJN has also advised judges to stay away from politicians to be able to discharge their duties without fear or favour.

CJN bars politicians from his office, residence

Wike visited me twice - CJN acknowledges

ABUJA—The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, yesterday, refuted reports that he had hosted Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State twice in his chamber at the Supreme Court.

Nyesom Wike

The CJN, through a statement that was issued yesterday by his media aide, Mr. Ahuraka Isah, insisted that contrary to what was reported by a section of the media yesterday, he never at any time had an audience with Governor Wike in relation to any matter whatsoever.

He, however, acknowledged that Wike visited his office on July 6 and July 8.

According to the CJN, whereas he was not within the country the first time Wike visited his chamber, he was observing the interview of shortlisted applicants for the award of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, on July 8 when the governor repeated his visit, and was only informed about the development the next day.

The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to insinuations in some dailies that the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, had met with the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Honourable Justice Mahmud Mohammed,  during one of his visits to the office of the CJN on July 6 and 8.

“However, we would not have ordinarily wished to react to such stories except for the misinformation and the erroneous impression it may cast in the mind of the public.

“We wish to state with all emphasis that the CJN at no time had an audience with Governor Wike. This include before, on and after the said date.

“For further clarification, during the week of the purported first visit by Governor Wike on July 6, his Lordship was away in Saudi Arabia performing Umrah.

“On the date of the alleged second visit, which was on Wednesday July 8, the CJN was in Court observing the interview of shortlisted applicants for the award of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

“A senior official in the CJN chamber intercepted Governor Wike and advised that it is a policy of the CJN not to entertain visits of politicians, especially those with cases in the courts.

Why Wike visited

“Consequently, Governor Wike left at that point, even though he tried to state reasons for his visit, which included the issue of the appointment of substantive Chief Judge for his state and to thank the CJN for sending the Bayelsa State Chief Judge to swear him into the office.

“In fact, his Lordship was not even aware of the visit until the next morning. The CJN, therefore, did not see the Governor as reported in the said dailies.

“I wish to assure the good people of Rivers State and Nigeria that the CJN and, indeed, the entire Office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria is veritably committed to upholding the integrity, neutrality and independence of our judiciary.

“This is a responsibility, which we hold dear and will not shirk.”

…as tribunal begins hearing

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governorship Election Tribunal will tomorrow begin pre-hearing sessions on five separate petitions that were lodged against Wike before it.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, and its governorship candidate in the state, Chief Dakuku Peterside had on May 3, gone before the tribunal to challenge the outcome of the governorship election that was declared in favour of Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Joined as respondents were INEC, Wike and the PDP.

Aside APC and Peterside, four other governorship aspirants in the state also went before the tribunal to challenge the declaration of Governor Wike as the winner of the election are Mr. Charles Harry of All Progressives Grand Alliance, Tonye Princewill of the Labour Party, Kemka Elenwo of KOWA Party and Minaibim Harry of the Social Democratic Party.

They are separately praying the tribunal to nullify Wike’s victory on the premise that the election was not only fraught with manifest irregularities, but was conducted with total disregard to relevant provisions of the Electoral Act.

The Justice Pindiga-led tribunal had on June 11 granted an ex parte order permitting the petitioners to personally or through their lawyers or forensic expert, inspect the electoral materials used for the poll.

 

Wike visited me twice - CJN acknowledges

No more appointment of improper persons as judges – CJN

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, on Thursday said the era of appointing unfit and improper persons as judges had gone.

He said the National Judicial Council’s newly revised guidelines of appointment of judicial officers now in force provided for “a more comprehensive, robust and transparent method of appointment.”

Justuce Mohammed, who spoke at the swearing in of a new Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Amiru Sanusi, at the Supreme Court complex in Abuja, said the new guidelines would ensure “the emergence of only the best legal minds with high moral standards to serve as judges in our revered temples of justice.”

Sanusi, who hails from Funtia Katsina State was until his appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court, the presiding Justice of the Enugu Division of the Court of Appeal.

His appointment raises the number of Justices on the apex court bench from 17 to 18.

The CJN, after administering to him the Oath of Office and Oath of Allegiance, congratulated him for scaling the “colossal hurdles” of the appointment process‎ as prescribed in the new ‘2014 Revised National Judicial Council Guidelines and Procedural Rules of Appointment of Judicial Officers of all Superior Courts of Record in Nigeria’‎.

Justice Mohammed described the system of appointment established by the new guidelines as merit-based, adding that appointment of judges would no longer be based on “fraternal connections” and nepotism.

He said, “The newly enacted guidelines bring the judiciary into an era where the eligibility of a candidate for appointment to the bench will no longer be based on nepotism, familial or fraternal connections.

“The guidelines provide a mechanism which would ensure that only fit and proper persons and the most intellectually astute, morally sound, meritorious and deserving candidates are appointed as Judges of our courts.  It is the best way to proceed in reforming our judiciary.”

Justice Mohammed also asked litigants and their lawyers to desist from what he described as a worrisome trend, the practice of writing petitions to the NJC ‎against court decisions.

He reminded them that the NJC was not the proper venue for venting dissatisfaction with decisions of courts, while also expressing the resolve of the judiciary to continue to perform its statutory duties with “the utmost fairness and justness.”

He said, “My lords, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, permit me to digress slightly and use this opportunity to correct an impression that has been formed in the minds of some Nigerians as to the role of the National Judicial Council in our judiciary.

“Some litigants and their counsel no longer avail themselves of appropriate judicial processes, but would rather write petition to the Council.

“A most worrisome trend has begun to emerge where petitions are now written to the NJC against even the decisions of the Supreme Court.

” A good example of this ill-advised conduct can be surmised from a recent petition to the NJC by a fairly senior counsel against a decision of a Panel of Justices of the Supreme Court, which heard a pre-election appeal arising from the 2011 Governorship elections.

“The appeal was subsequently dismissed in March 2015 and the dissatisfied appellant and his counsel sought relief with the NJC.  I must emphasise that the National Judicial Council is not a venue for venting dissatisfaction with the decisions of our courts.

No more appointment of improper persons as judges – CJN

Certificate saga: CJN probes magistrate for frustrating moves to commence hearing against Buhari

1

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

ABUJA — The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has okayed an investigation into a petition accusing a Chief Magistrate in Abuja, Mr. Abubakar Babashani, of deliberately frustrating moves to commence hearing on the perjury charge entered against the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (ret).

Buhari

Already, the CJN has directed the magistrate to immediately file his response to the petition entitled “Case of Abuse of Office and Manifest Bias by His Worship, Abubakar Babashani, in The Criminal Complaint by Shield Jones Ufot & Ors. Vs. Muhammed Buhari.”

Reacting to the petition, the CJN via a letter with Ref. No. CJN/MAN/B9/S.1/VOL.VI/389, which was signed by his Senior Special Assistant, Mrs. Hadiza Sa’eed, said he would give due consideration to all the allegations that were raised against the magistrate in the complaint letter dated February 4, 2015.

Specifically, four activists, Shield Jones Ufot, Jimmy David, Ogueri Enwerem and Tochukwu Okorie, had in a direct criminal complaint they filed before the Abuja Chief Magistrate Court, accused Buhari of violating section157 of the Penal Code.

In the suit they filed pursuant to sections 143 (d) and 152 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the plaintiffs alleged that the APC presidential flag bearer placed reliance on a bogus certificate to depose an affidavit before a competent court, an action they said amounted to perjury and punishable under section 158 of the Penal Code Law.

Meantime, the plaintiffs in the petition they filed through their lawyer, Mr. Ugochukwu Ezekiel, told the CJN that after filing the criminal complaint and paying all the necessary fees, they alleged that Chief Magistrate Babashani “refused to give directives as required of him by law either for the Police to investigate and report back to the court, assign the matter to another Magistrate or proceed to hear the matter.”

According to them, “On several occasions when we enquired at the registry of the court, we were informed that his worship was not on seat to attend to our file. We approached his worship earlier today to seek explanation for his refusal to make the necessary directives.

“At first, his worship informed us that he got directives from the Honourable Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory not to hear our matter but when we sought to know in what form the directive cane, his worship further informed us that he will not sit on our matter because a revenue collector’s reciept was not attached to the file and he will not accept Aso Bank’s teller as evidence of payment for filing the suit.

“The FCT High Court has not issued a revenue receipt to any litigant as evidence of payment for filing any process in the court but accepted Aso Bank’s teller as evidence of payment for any process filed in the court both in the High Court and the Magistrate Court and it is not the fault of the litigant(s) that the court does not have any receipt to issue to him/them.

“We are equally aware of many cases filed in the Chief Magistrate Court which were heard and some are still being heard by his worship, Abubakar Babashani.

“Upon refusal of his worship to carry out his judicial duties, out clients made further enquiries at the revenue department both at the Magistrate Court and the FCT High Court and we were informed that the court is yet to print receipts for cases filed in court and only use tellers as evidence of payment for filing a suit.

“Considering the above stated facts, out clients are led to believe that his Worship is intentionally refusing to hear our clients’ matter in order to frustrate our clients from pursuing justice, giving flimsy excuses in so doing.

“Our clients are equally convinced that his Worship is already biased and has shown manifest bias as to the content of our complaint. We therefore call upon you to use your good offices to do or cause to be done the following: (a) Direct the transfer of the case from his worship, Abubakar Babashani to any other magistrate of the FCT Magistrate Court competent to hear the matter.

“(b) Investigate the allegations contained in this petition with a view to meting out adequate punishment to his Worship if found culpable.

“Our clients strongly believe in the pursuit of justice and matters filed before a court should be given fair and unbiased hearing which the actions of his Worship does not depict in this instance.

“My Lord, we therefore kindly request that the case file on this matter be withdrawn from his Worship, Chief Magistrate Babashani and be re-assigned to any other Magistrate of the Magistrate Court of the FCT for hearing.”

 

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Certificate saga: CJN probes magistrate for frustrating moves to commence hearing against Buhari

Some senior lawyers behind corruption in judiciary - CJN

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

ABUJA — The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has alleged that some senior lawyers are behind the increased level of corruption bedevilling the judiciary.

The CJN, who made the allegation when

The leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, led by its National President, Chief Augustine Alegeh, SAN, paid him a courtesy visit at the weekend, insisted that corrupt politicians often use lawyers to tempt judges with bribes.

He maintained that some lawyers not only aid, but equally abet corruption within the Bench, a situation he said portends danger for the justice system in the country.

Therefore, the CJN tasked the NBA to put in more effort towards purging itself of ‘some corrupt elements’ within its fold.

Other Justices of the Supreme Court that joined the CJN to receive the visitor were Justices Mohammed Tanko Ibrahim, John Fabiyi, and Bode Rhodes-Vivour.

Addressing the delegation, the CJN vowed to re-invigorate the judicial cleansing process that was commenced by his predecessors, decrying that lawyers have so far acted as clog to the process of weeding out corrupt judges from the Bench.

He said senior lawyers were usually the first people to rush to court to secure an order of injunction restraining the National Judicial Council, NJC, from investigating judges that acted wrongly.

He said: “I want to use this opportunity to urge the Bar to put the interest of the system far and above the individuals. Imagine this scenario; you in the Bar decry the ‘rots’ on the Bench, calling for disciplining and cleansing of the judiciary by weeding out the bad eggs on the Bench.

“Yet, you are the first to jump to the court to seek restraining order on NJC to stop it from the investigation and trial of a judge based on a petition brought against the judge before the council. How then is the principle of fair hearing sustained?”

 

On Rivers Judiciary

More so, the CJN urged the NBA to intervene and find a solution to the protracted impasse that has left the Rivers State Judiciary without a substantive Chief Judge for so many months now.

“The perpetual closure of court in River State is unacceptable. NJC has never said governors cannot appoint state Chief Judges.

“But the violation of the principle of checks and balances by state governor in Rivers State as enshrined in the constitution for the appointment and disciplining of erring Chief Judges or Judges is equally unacceptable. Seniority is part and parcel of the legal profession.”

 

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Some senior lawyers behind corruption in judiciary - CJN

Most governors flouting judiciary’s autonomy - CJN

The incoming Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has expressed concern over the problem of inadequate funding plaguing the nation’s judiciary at all levels.

He said most of the states of the federation were particularly in breach of the constitutional provisions granting financial independence to the judiciary.

Justice Mohammed was on Tuesday cleared by the Senate to take over from the outgoing CJN, Justice Aloma Mukhtar, who retires on Thursday.

A statement by the Head, Information Unit of the National Judicial Institute, Madu Emezie, on Wednesday, quoted Justice Mohammed as speaking during the launching of a book written by Justice Mukhtar on Tuesday.

The 55-page book, ‘A centenary of Judicial Administration of Nigeria’, in part, contains judicial discourse and captures the administration and history of Nigeria judiciary within the time frame of the administration of Justice Mukhtar as the CJN.

Justice Mohammed said the judiciary, especially at the state levels, was being denied of access to fund despite clear constitutional provisions granting financial independence to it.

He said, “The independence of the Judiciary without adequate funds is like denying an able bodied athlete a full pair of running shoes while passing the same shoes on to a paraplegic.

“We do not have ready access to funds despite the provision of section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Most states in the federation are in breach of this constitutional provision. More understanding is needed from all concerned in order to get the type of judiciary wee desire.”

He called for vigilance among stakeholders to avert an encroachment of judicial independence in the nation.

We must remain vigilant against the slightest encroachment on judicial independence.

He said it would be difficult to reposition the nation’s judiciary in the absence of financial independence.

He said, “How then do you reposition the lower courts for improved justice delivery without the needed funds. The quest will be difficult in the absence of financial independence for the Judiciary, especially at the states.

“Most of the lower courts are states courts. The welfare of the judges of these courts must be significantly improved.

“Their working conditions must be looked into holistically. The state judiciaries must be adequately funded to be able to make these much needed improvements possible.”

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Most governors flouting judiciary’s autonomy - CJN

CJN"s Secretary sends fraudulent letter to Ambassador Habiba Abubakar in her case with Justice Danlami Senchi

By Ehi Ekhator

Habiba Abubakar through her lawyer, Ayuba Abdul, Esq, has commeended the effort of the CJN, Madam Maria Koloma Mukhtar over her effort to eradicate corruption from the judiciary.

Habiba Abubakar, the chairperson, Elderly and the Poor

Ayuba representing Habiba over the case between her and judge Danlami Sanchi concerning an attempt to defraud has accused the secretary to NJC of tampering with the actual letter sent and signed by CJN.

According to the investigation, the secretary to CJN, Danladi Halilu, changed the letter from his boss with a different reference number before sending it to Habiba, trying to cover the fraudulent behaviour of the corrupt judge.

Below is the excerpt of the letter:

We are humble by the hard work the NJC/CJN is putting to eradicate corrupt Judges in Nigeria, as seen in Daily Trust of 28/2/2014 page 7, Suspensions and dismissals of several Judges found with Misconducts of various kinds.

Considering the effort the NJC under the leadership of the CJN are putting to protect Nigerians in the hands of corrupt Judges, a letter sent out by Danladi Halilu who allergies to be the Secretary to the CJN is quite a contradiction to her fight.

During our investigations we came across the case between Justice Danlami Sanchi and Amb Habiba Abubakar. A positive and responsible reply was given to Ayuba Abdul, Esq signed by the honourable CJN herself with REF-NO-NJC/F.4/HC.25/1/231 but another letter was on the 5th/2/2014 sent to Ayuba Abdul Esq who are representing Habiba Abubakar with a different reference number as REF-NO-NJC/F.4/HC.25/1/245 purportedly from The CJNs Secretary Danladi Halilu Esq see attached. There are five issues here that needs clarification-:

1) If the letter is truly and genuinely from the CJNs office how could her secretary not get the correct reference number of the case that she earlier replied to, her self.

2) Have a look under the logo of the presumed CJNs Office sub headed paper, OFFICE is spelt like this ( FFICE ) OF THE SECRETARY, all this inconsistencies does not look like the letter originates from her office and with her knowledge.

3) If indebtedness is not with in her own committees Jurisdiction, is fare enough to refer the complainant to the Courts with in the FCT. It is still a blow to the justice Danlami Senchis reputation and credibility

4) NJC is a disciplinary body for bad conducts of any judicial officer that engages in act unbecoming of a good judge, I guess this is her Jurisdiction? What has the honourable NJC under the leadership of the CJN intends to do in this matter. We are confident in the CJNs leadership of fighting the corrupt Judges in our Courts .

The letter written by her Secretary does not represent CJNs ideology of booting out corrupt judges. He Danladi Halilu has not portrayed good of the office with all those short comings. Is he directed to refer the case to court only?? And how about the issue of the judges Misconduct?? We are confident if this letter originated from her office , the CJN we know will never refer the entire case to court because there is Misconduct from the Judge and she would have explained what she intends to do in her reply, knowing who she is and what she stands for.

5) The office has queried the Judge and was mandated to reply within three weeks . What is the position of the NJC vis-a-viz to his reply ?? We hereby call on the NJC/ CJN to investigate the letter that is supposedly sent out by her Secretary with all those blunders, so that Danladi Halilu Esq ( Secretary ) or any other person does not put the NJC and CJNs office credibility at stake and also put the office to ridicule after all what they have been doing to clean the system and eradicate the corrupt ones.

In the end we will still continue to follow this case untill Justice is given to either Justice Danlami Senchi or Habiba Abubakar. And Nigeria has gone too far at 100 years to see any discrimination between Judges. What ever applies to A most apply to B this is Justice. The judges Suspended,Dismissed,or Retired they are Justice Danlami Senchis colleagues and should be treated the same in the eye of the law.

Below is the purported letter from Danladi Halilu:

CJN"s Secretary sends fraudulent letter to Ambassador Habiba Abubakar in her case with Justice Danlami Senchi