Abia JSC Cancels High Court Bench Recruitment; Calls For New Applications

The Abia state Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has called on candidates to re-indicate interest for the position of High Court Judges in the state’s judiciary.

TheNigerialawyer recalls that Access to Justice had called for immediate cancellation of the Judicial recruitment exercise embarked upon by the Commission. The group made the call following allegations of corruption surrounding the recruitment exercise.

Recall also that the Media was awash with alleged reports that some members of the Abia State JSC and staff of the State Ministry of Justice demanded huge bribes to the tune of Fifteen (15) Million Naira from persons applying for the vacancies, in order to recommend them for the positions. It was also reported that a female magistrate who participated in the examination mortgaged her family house to raise money as demanded, and, thereafter collapsed and died on learning subsequently that the bribe was not a guarantee for a successful application.

In possible consideration of the call for the cancelation of the exercise and to protect the integrity of the judiciary, the Abia JSC In a statement dated 15th November 2021 with Ref NO: JSC/S.83/II/131, signed by the Deputy Secretary, Judicial Service Commission, Enyinnaya Nwabaghi, has canceled the earlier recruitment exercise and is calling on Applicants to re-indicate interest

The call was also made pursuant to Rule 3 of 2014, Revised National Council Guidelines and Procedural Rules for the Appointment of Judicial Officers Of All Superior Courts Of Record in Nigeria, according to Nwabaghi.

Requirements/Competencies
To be eligible to apply for this appointment, the candidate must satisfy the following minimum requirements:-

I. Applicant must be a legal practitioner in Nigeria and has been so qualified for a period of not less than ten (10) years with considerable knowledge and experience in the practice of Law.

II. Applicant must be of good character and reputation with strong traits of diligence, hard work, honesty, integrity, sound knowledge of law, and consistent adherence to professional ethics

III. Applicant must have;

a) Active successful practice at the Bar, including satisfactory presentation of cases in court as a Legal Practitioner either in private practice or as a Legal Officer in any Public Service: and/or.

b) Satisfactory and consistent display of sound and mature judgement in the office as a Chief Registrar or Chief Magistrate, and/or

c) Credible record of teaching law, legal research in reputable research in a reputable University, and publication of legal works.

3.0 SUBMISSION
Suitably qualified and interested candidates are to forward their applications with requisite qualifications and detailed curriculum vitae to:

The Secretary, Judicial Service Commission,
P.M.B 7220, Umuahia
Abia State.

4.0 CLOSING DATE:
All applications are to reach the commission on or before the 19th day of November, 2021