Prominent lawyer and human rights activist Chidi Odinkalu has praised the group of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) from Kogi State for filing a lawsuit over alleged political interference in judicial appointments.
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In a social media post, Mr Odinkalu thanked the SANs, including Yunus Ustaz and J.S Okutepa, for “taking a stand” against the “abuse” of the judicial selection process in Kogi State..
I wld like to thank the Senior Advocates of #Nigeria, #SANs, from Kogi State, including Yunus Ustaz & @jibrinSAN, for #TakingAStand on this abuse of judicial appointments. It’s about time. If only SANs from other parts of the country cld take a cue…https://t.co/TbXQVSYlHo
— Chidi Odinkalu, CGoF (@ChidiOdinkalu) January 8, 2024
He was reacting to the recent lawsuit in which the SANs sued the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Kogi government for alleged improprieties in the shortlisting of candidates for judicial positions in the state.
Amongst issues raised in court is the inclusion of Governor Bello’s wife, who is not qualified. The SANs argue this violates regulations.
Commending their action, Odinkalu said “It’s about time” the senior lawyers challenged the tainted process. He expressed hope that SANs from other parts of Nigeria can “take a cue” from the public-spirited litigation.
The lawsuit has shed light on the vital issue of preserving fairness and integrity in the appointment of judges. Odinkalu sees it as a model case for upholding judicial independence standards across Nigeria.
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