A group of 17 senior advocates of Nigeria (SANs) from Kogi State has written to the state Chief Judge demanding suspension of proposed appointments of new judges.
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In a letter dated October 20, the SANs argued the process flouted guidelines and was not merit-based. They cited lack of facilities like courtrooms and official cars which must be provided first under National Judicial Council rules.
The SANs also alleged the shortlist of candidates was lopsided and lacked geographical spread. They noted all 3 nominees for Customary Court of Appeal were from Kogi Central, excluding qualified persons from other zones.
According to the senior lawyers, Section 14(4) of the constitution requires appointments be based on competence, fairness and equity among all state tribes. But over 80 candidates were from the Ebira tribe of Governor Bello who they said was favoring his clan.
The SANs justified suspending appointments until criteria are met, pointing out judges named since 2020 were not given adequate resources like cars and chambers to function effectively.
They argued sitting judges must have proper courtrooms and facilities first.
The following names represent the shortlisted candidates for the ten vacant positions of Judges and Kadis on the Bench.
HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE:
- Badiru Abdulghaniy, Esq.
- Ezema Beatrice Ada, Esq.
- Ibrahim Idenyi
- Amina Yahaya Bello, Esq.
- Joseph Sunday Ajesola Esq.
- Dr Mohammed Tanko Esq.
- Badama Kadiri, Esq.
- Umaru Medina, Esq.
- Ibrahim Jubril, Oladimeji, Esq.
- Ojoma Rachael Haruna, Esq.
- Zakari Wahab
- Halimat Onuka
SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL:
- Idris Alhaji Abdullahi, Esq.
- Abdulwasiu Oladele Salaudeen
- Muhammad Muhammad Bello, Esq.
- Mohammed Usman, Agaba, Esq.
- Okino Isah Saidu, Esq.
- Abdulaziz Muhammad Abdulmali
- Ganiyu Adeku, Esq.
- Yakubu Adavenge Abbas
- Hassan Hussaini
- Musa Muhammad Jibreel
- Hussaini Zakariya Labaran, Esq.
- Salihu Abdullahi
- Idrees Usman Abdullahi
- Shaibu Ridwan Aliyu
CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL:
- Musa Onogo Idris, Esq.
- Maryann Oziohu, Esq.
- Shaibu Ozovehe Ebenezer, Esq.
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