NJC denies ceding powers on judges’ appointments, promotions to govs Judges

The National Judicial Council has dismissed a letter claiming it had surrendered its statutory powers and functions on judges’ appointments and promotions to state governors.

The NJC said the letter addressed to the Chief Judge of Kebbi State and purportedly signed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, did not emanate from the council or the CJN who is the chairman of the council.

A statement by NJC’s Director of Information, Soji Oye, yesterday, said there was no iota of truth in the fake letter.

The letter read, “The attention of the National Judicial Council has been drawn to a fake letter dated 14th July 2023, purported to have emanated from the Council, and signed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, National Judicial Council Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

“The fake letter stated that under section 10 of the existing law of Kebbi state 1996, His Excellency, the Governor, has the power to determine the Seniority of Judges and the National Judicial Council has no power to override or reverse the decision of His Excellency.

“It further stated that the office of the Head of Court or Chief Judge is purely a political appointment to be decided by the Governor of a state.

“For clarification and avoidance of doubt, the National Judicial Council hereby emphatically disclaimed the letter as there is no iota of truth in it and no such letter ever emanated from the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria or the Council.”

He urged the citizens to discountenance the letter and its content.

Oye said the matter had been reported to security operatives for investigation.

“Meanwhile, the Council has reported the unfortunate case to the relevant security agencies with a view to investigate and bring to book whoever is behind this dastardly act,” the statement added.