Calling for immediate action, the Civil Society Consortium on Judicial Accountability (CSCJA) has requested the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, to step down due to accusations of abusing his position and displaying favoritism in the execution of his responsibilities.
The group, consisting of public interest lawyers, expressed dissatisfaction with the CJN for allegedly appointing his own children as judicial officers in recent appointments.
Gathering for a protest near the Supreme Court entrance on Tuesday, the group accused the CJN of assigning his son, Olukayode Ariwoola Junior, as a Judge of the Federal High Court and his daughter, Oluwakemi Victoria Ariwoola, as a Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Among their grievances, the group alleged that the CJN provided undue advantages to his family by utilizing the National Judicial Council (NJC), of which he serves as chairman, to endorse his two children as High Court Judges. They also accused him of using the Federal Judicial Service Commission to secure their appointments at the expense of other qualified individuals.
During the protest, members held placards with various messages, including “Immediate Resignation of the CJN,” “Stop Judicial Misconduct,” “Reject Nepotism,” and “Judicial Accountability is Crucial.”
Addressing the press after submitting a letter demanding the CJN’s resignation, the consortium’s coordinator, Mr. Martin Obono, called for the restructuring of the CJN’s office to prevent further misconduct.
Obono stressed, “The recent appointments by the CJN have raised serious concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest and the erosion of public trust in the judiciary. It is crucial to adhere to the highest ethical standards in the legal system to ensure equitable treatment of all citizens under the law. The act of nepotism in judicial appointments not only goes against principles but also jeopardizes the rule of law in Nigeria.”
The demonstrators urged the CJN to take accountability for his actions and resign from his post to restore public trust in the judiciary and demonstrate a commitment to ethical governance.
Emphasizing the need for an impartial investigation into allegations of favoritism and nepotism, Obono called for specific actions, including:
- An independent inquiry into the appointments of Olukayode Ariwoola Jr. and Oluwakemi Victoria Ariwoola to determine if other qualified candidates were overlooked.
- The request for Justice Olukayode Ariwoola to temporarily step down as the Chairman of the National Judicial Council during the investigation in line with the judicial principle of nemo judex in causa sua.
- A prompt and transparent investigation with the results being shared with the petitioners and the public.
- If Justice Olukayode Ariwoola is found to have violated the Code of Conduct, appropriate disciplinary measures should be taken against him.
Attempts to reach the Director of Information of the National Judicial Council (NJC), Barrister Soji Oye, for comment were unsuccessful as he was reported to be on annual leave outside of Abuja.