From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The Human Rights and Social Justice Organisation has urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) to intervene in the vacancy in the office of the Kebbi State Chief Judge. The group, in a petition written to the CJN dated 30/10/2023 and signed by its chairman, Saeed Bin Usman, 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 nine months which has not been extended by the National Judiciary Council. The group noted that cases to be prosecuted before the High Court can no longer be assigned by Justice Umar Abubakar, adding that he can no longer 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 a new Acting Chief Judge considering the pendency of petition against the person of Hon Justice Umar Abubakar, the then Acting Chief Judge of Kebbi State which is still under investigation and awaiting outcome from the NJC,” the group said in the petition.
The group also assured the CJN that the state governor, Dr. Nasir Idris has utmost respect for the judiciary and the National Judicial Council, and he has no favourite candidate for the office of the Chief Judge of Kebbi State.
“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,” the group noted.