A civil society organisation, Citizens With Conscience, has warned of an alleged smear campaign against a judge of the Ondo Judicial Division and former Registrar of the Supreme Court, Justice Sunday Olorundahunsi.
According to the group, the judge, in a recent publication was accused of running a company despite being a public servant.
But the CWC, in a statement by its Publicity Director, Dr. Abdullah Yahaya, said, “The accusations were a tool in the hands of mischievous individuals threatened by Justice Olorundahunsi’s impeccable qualifications and potential for higher responsibilities.”
The group contended that the claims by the said whistleblowers lacked integrity and were part of a deliberate smear campaign.
The CWC said the purported whistleblowers also alleged interference by the Director of Public Prosecutions when Justice Olorundahunsi was charged before the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
The group, however, supported the DPP Director, MB Abubakar, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, for taking over the matter and halting the proceedings.
“Justice Olorundahunsi is a paragon of judicial excellence,” Yahaya said. “His tenure at the Supreme Court was marked by distinction and integrity. He served with the utmost dedication, assisting over six chief justices in his roles as Deputy Chief Registrar and Chief Registrar.
The group further said, “Justice Olorundahunsi’s career is a testament to his commitment to justice and the rule of law. Throughout his service, he has upheld the highest standards of judicial conduct, contributing significantly to the judiciary’s credibility and effectiveness.”
The civil society organisation enjoined the public to see through “the political machinations aimed at tarnishing Justice Olorundahunsi’s sterling reputation.”
They urged support for the judicial process and emphasise the need to protect dedicated public servants from unwarranted attacks.