The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), says the tenure of the retiring Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, leaves a lot to be desired.
According to the Association, having reached retirement age, Ariwoola’s tenure was a perfect example of how a nation’s judiciary shouldn’t be run.
Speaking on Ariwoola’s retirement, HURIWA stated that there was nothing to celebrate about his tenure as CJN.
His time as the nation’s number one judicial officer, HURIWA said! was dogged scandals and controversies that bordered on corruption and nepotism.
HURIWA added that his tenure was characterised by brazen disregard for the principles of fairness and justice as the defining hallmarks of his leadership and left the judiciary in turmoil, significantly weakening its authority and eroding its credibility.
“One of the most troubling aspects of his time in office was the introduction of nepotistic practices in the appointment of judges,” HURIWA said in a statement signed by Emmanuel Onwubiko, its National Coordinator on Thursday.
The association highlighted the appointment of Justice Ariwoola’s brother, Adebayo Lateef Ariwoola, as the head of the audit department at the National Judicial Council (NJC), a role that directly answers to the Chief Justice, who is also the Chairman of the NJC.
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This situation, the group argued, presents a clear conflict of interest and raises serious questions about the integrity of the NJC’s financial operations.
Beyond this, the association condemned Ariwoola’s involvement in securing a judicial appointment for his son, Olukayode Ariwoola Jr., as a Judge of the Federal High Court.
“This move, which was met with widespread public outcry, exemplifies the deeply entrenched culture of nepotism that has taken root under Justice Ariwoola’s leadership.
“Justice Ariwoola’s actions have set a dangerous precedent, encouraging similar behavior among other judicial leaders.
“For instance, the Chief Judge of Abuja, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, following in Justice Ariwoola’s footsteps, appointed his daughter, Maryam Baba-Yusuf on the bench as a judge of the Abuja High Court and allegedly included the daughters of influential politicians, former governors, and ministers among the newly appointed judges.
“The implications of these actions are dire for the Nigerian judiciary. A federal court judge recently remarked that in Nigeria, it is nearly impossible to become a Federal High Court judge without connections to powerful individuals.
“This underscored the extent to which corruption has polluted the judicial appointment process,” HURIWA furthered.
