Dr. Monday O. Ubani, SAN, a prominent legal practitioner and public affairs analyst, has hailed the recent decision by the National Judicial Council (NJC) to open up the judicial appointment process to public scrutiny as a groundbreaking and commendable development.
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In a statement titled “Public Input in Judicial Appointments: A Step Towards Transparency and Judicial Excellence,” Dr. Ubani described the move as a bold stride towards transparency, accountability, and the strengthening of democratic participation in Nigeria’s judiciary.
For the first time in recent history, the NJC called on members of the public to submit comments and petitions regarding candidates shortlisted for judicial appointments. According to Dr. Ubani, this unprecedented step, if institutionalized and properly managed, could reshape public confidence in the judiciary.
“This commendable initiative aligns with global best practices,” he noted. “In developed democracies, judicial appointments are not cloaked in secrecy but involve wide-ranging consultations, including public hearings. Judges are the final arbiters of justice and must not only be competent but be perceived by the public as impartial and above board in character.”
Dr. Ubani stressed that involving citizens in the vetting process deepens democratic governance and helps ensure that only persons of proven integrity and legal acumen are elevated to the bench.
However, he urged that appropriate safeguards be instituted to ensure the credibility and sustainability of the process. “Where public objections are raised against a nominee, they must be thoroughly investigated and the findings made public,” he said. “If allegations are frivolous, the candidate’s name should be cleared to prevent reputational damage. But where concerns are valid, the NJC must act decisively and disqualify the candidate.”
He also lauded the NJC’s insistence that objections be backed by sworn affidavits, describing it as a necessary tool for deterring abuse. He warned that anyone found to have made false claims should face perjury charges to protect the integrity of the process from mischief-makers.
Ubani concluded by expressing hope that the NJC’s action would not be a one-off but would become a permanent feature of Nigeria’s judicial system.
“This bold move signals a new era for the Nigerian judiciary. If sustained with transparency, fairness, and discipline, the judiciary and the entire nation will emerge stronger. In this instance, both the people and the system are the real winners,” he said.
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