Judges arrest: NJC to state position Wednesday

Forum 7 years ago

Judges arrest: NJC to state position Wednesday

The National Judicial Council, NJC, will today, Wednesday, make public its position on the arrest and detention of some judges.

The body will communicate its position on the matter to the Executive, as well as its choice of a successor to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, who is expected to retire on November 10.

“The meeting devoted much time to the arrest and detention of some judicial officers. Members were not happy about the development and have resolved to reflect that in the council’s position,” a source told The Nation.

“The intention is to express our displeasure about this attempt by the Executive to intimidate the Judiciary. Although there have been attempts in the past, they never went this far.

“This is a clear affront on the Judiciary and we intend to make them realise that such should not be repeated.

“On the issue of succession, there is not conflict. Members are united on the need to retain the tradition of allowing the most senior Justice succeed the out-going CJN.

“You recall the CJN spoke iin favour of retaining the tradition when he spoke at the inauguration of the new Senior Advocates on September 19. That is the position we intend to take.

“We hope to conclude on all issues tomorrow (today) and make our position public, but as at now, we are yet to take final positions on most issues considered. That informed why we are continuing tomorrow,” the source said.

It was also learnt that the meeting also touched on some pending petitions against some judges.

The Senate on Tuesday rejected a motion seeking to invite the Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Lawan Daura over the arrests.