NJC Recommends Sack of Two Chief Judges
In a significant development aimed at preserving judicial integrity, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the sack of two Chief judges, high-ranking judicial officers over allegations of age falsification.
Justice Theresa Chukwuemeka-Chikeka, Chief Judge of Imo State, was found to have altered her date of birth from October 27, 1956, to October 27, 1958, through an affidavit sworn in 2006. The NJC’s investigations determined that October 27, 2956, was her actual date of birth. As a result, the Council has recommended her retirement, effective from October 27, 2021. It also directed that all salaries and allowances received since that date be refunded.
Similarly, the NJC recommended the sack of Grand Kadi Shu’aibu A. Talba of the Yobe State Sharia Court of Appeal. The investigation revealed that Talba provided three conflicting dates of birth – December 10, January 28, and July 28, all in 1959, while his actual date of birth was 1952. This discrepancy means he ought to have retired 12 years ago. The NJC resolved that Talba refund all salaries and allowances received during this period.
The Council determined that these actions constituted misconduct in violation of Rule 02908 (i) and (ii) of the Public Service Rules, 2021.
Further Disciplinary Actions
The NJC also suspended two judges for acts of misconduct:
Justice G. C. Aguma of High Court of Rivers State was suspended from performing judicial functions for a period of one year without pay and also placed him on “Watch-List” for two years thereafter.Justice A. O. Nwabunike of Anambra State High Court received the same sanction.
The NJC equally considered the report of its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee, which considered a total number of 30 petitions, empanelled 6 Committees for further investigation. While 22 were dismissed for lacking in merit, two were sub judice, the statement noted.
Additionally, the NJC issued letters of caution to;
Justice I. A. Jamil of Kogi State High Court, advising greater circumspection in handling sensitive matters in the future.
Justice J. J. Majebi, Chief Judge of Kogi State, for assigning a sensitive matter to a junior Judge.
Unsubstantiated Allegations
The NJC also reviewed 4 petitions against Justice Peter O. Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, and dismissed the petitions on grounds that the petitioners failed to substantiate their allegations.
“The Council also finds that the allegations of inducement to the tune of $1 Million, a bullet-proof car and gift of a plot of land to Justice Lifu by Chief Emeka Beke, Chairman, All Progressive Congress, (APC), Rivers State were not substantiated in any form”, the NJC held.
Sanctions for Frivolous Petitions
The body however stressed that while it is ready to sanction erring Judicial Officers, it has a duty to protect them against unfounded allegations and resolved that Legal Practitioners who by themselves or in collusion with litigants write frivolous petitions to blackmail the Judicial Officers will be reported to the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) or the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) for appropriate action.
Implications for Judicial Accountability
Age falsification within the judiciary undermines public confidence in the justice system and compromises the moral authority of judicial officers. The NJC’s actions send a strong message about the importance of accountability and transparency at all levels of governance.
AWJAI commends the NJC for its commitment to preserving judicial integrity and calls for enhanced vetting processes for judicial appointments. Upholding honesty and integrity among judicial officers is essential to maintaining the rule of law and ensuring the fair administration of justice.
