Viral letter on transfer of judicial powers to state governors fake, says NJC

Viral letter on transfer of judicial powers to state governors fake, says NJC

 The National Judicial Council (NJC) has dismissed a viral
letter claiming it has transfered statutory powers and functions regarding
appointments and promotions of judges to state governors. 

 

In a statement on Sunday, Soji Oye, director of information
at NJC, said the letter dated July 14, 2023, and allegedly signed by Olukayode
Ariwoola, chief justice of Nigeria and NJC chairman, has “no iota of truth”.

 

The NJC said the letter which stated that Umar Abubakar should
be appointed the substantive chief judge of Kebbi, and outlining several key
points regarding the order of seniority, never emanated from the council.

 

“The fake 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, stating
that ‘under section 10 of the existing law of Kebbi state 1996, His Excellency,
the governor, has the power to determine seniority of judges and the NJC has no
power to override or reverse the decision of His Excellency’,” the statement
read.

 

 “It further stated
that the office of the head of court/chief judge is purely a political
appointment to be decided by the governor of a state.

 

“For the purpose of clarification and avoidance of doubt,
the NJC hereby emphatically disclaimed the letter as there is no iota of truth
in it, and no such letter ever emanated from the office of the chief justice of
Nigeria or the Council.

 

“The public is hereby advised to discountenance the letter
and its content.”

 

Oye further said the council has reported the “unfortunate
case” to the relevant security agencies to investigate and bring to book
whoever is behind the letter.

Source: Viral letter on transfer of judicial powers to state governors fake, says NJC

 - NigerianEye
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