The National Judicial Council, NJC, has dismissed a letter alleging that it has surrendered its statutory powers and functions on judges’ appointments and promotions to state governors.
The NJC said that the letter addressed to the Chief Judge of Kebbi State and purportedly signed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, did not emanate from the Council or the CJN.
In a statement, NJC’s Director of Information, Soji Oye, stated that under section ten of the existing law of Kebbi state 1996, the Governor has the power to determine Seniority of Judges and the NJC has no power to override or reverse the decision.
While advising the public to disregard the letter and its content, the Council said it had reported the case to relevant security agencies with a view to investigate and bring to book whoever is behind the act.
