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From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The Human Rights and Social Justice Organisation has urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to intervene in the Kebbi State Chief Judge office vacancy.
The group,by its Chairman,Saeed Bin Usman in a petition written to the CJ dated 30/10/2023 and copy made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi noted that the mandate of Justice Umar Abubakar who was the Acting Chief Judge has expired on the 25th September, 2023 after he served as the Acting Chief Judge for 9 months which has not been extended by the National Judiciary Council.
According to him, “Sir, we write this to bring your attention that upon the retirement of the former Chief Judge of Kebbi State, Hon. Justice M.S Ambursa from office on the 25th December, 2022 and the appointment of Hon. Justice Umar Abubakar as the Acting Chief Judge of Kebbi State with effect from the 25th December, 2022 whose appointment has been extended twice in accordance with the provision of section 271(4) and (5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“The mandate of Justice Umar Abubakar as the Acting Chief Judge has expired on the 25th September, 2023 after he served as the Acting Chief Judge for 9 months which has not been extended by the Council, hence we deem it necessary to make this request in order to avoid embarrassment in the administration of justice in Kebbi State taking into consideration the importance of the office of Chief Judge which is now vacant in the eyes of the law as cases to be prosecuted before the High Court can no longer be assigned by Justice Umar Abubakar and cannot parade himself as the Acting Chief Judge as his mandate has expired.
“That being the case, we humbly request your good office for urgent intervention to recommend to the Governor for appointment of new Acting Chief Judge considering the pendency of petition against the person Hon, Justice Umar Abubakar, the then Acting Chief Judge of Kebbi State which is still under investigation and awaiting outcome from the NJC.
“This will go a long way in restoring public confidence on the NJC as the entire public is craving to hear the decision of the Council on the fake documents that went viral in July this year which the Council has disclaimed.”
The group also assured the CJN that the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris has utmost respect to the judiciary and the National Judicial Council, and he has no favourite candidate for the office of a Chief Judge of Kebbi State as the Governor is ready to obey and comply with the recommendation of the Council.
“It is therefore the duty of his Lordship and the National Judicial Council to raise up to the challenges and take decision in respect of the crisis in the Kebbi State High Court and communicate same to his Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State for an action to be taken.
“We urge his Lordship and the National Judicial Council to take immediate action in order to put an end to the crisis of succession and seniority in Kebbi State Judiciary which has become so endemic and capable of destroying the good image of the judiciary.”
