Crime/Social Justice
Rights activist calls for arrest, prosecution of Imo Chief Judge, others
Written By: Michael Odigbe
18 Nov 2024 01:27 PM
Chief (Dr.) Patrick Eholor, a human rights activist, has called for the arrest and prosecution of the Imo State chief judge Hon Justice Chukwuemeka Chikeka alongside three other heads of courts in Anambra, Rivers and Yobe States. All of them were indicted on November 15, 2024 for various gross levels of misconduct by the National Judicial Council (NJC) chaired by Hon. Justice Kekere Ekun the Chief Justice of the Federation (CJN).
Thereafter, the NJC recommended compulsory retirements for the heads of court in Imo and Yobe States; and suspension for a year without pay for their counterparts in Anambra and Rivers States.
Dr. Patrick Eholor, the founder of ONE LOVE FOUNDATION, in an exclusive statement sent to BENDEL Mirror online newspaper considers the decisions of the NJC as half-baked. This is because they are not in consonance with the rule of law and statutes which prescribes trial in a competent court of any one who contravenes the laws of the land.
Eholor also fondly called Ultimate Equal explains: "Yes, through these actions, the NJC demonstrated its commitment to ensuring the highest standard of ethics within the judiciary. So, in a way the NJC's action is commendable. But then the decisions to only compulsorily retire two of the heads of court and suspend the two others are not far-reaching enough. It would have been better if all the indicted justices were made to face the full wrath of the sane law which they pledged on oath to obey and serve"
Eholor added: "It is important, too, for the NJC to be proactive in its effort to strengthen the Nigerian judiciary. Preventive measures such as regular monitoring and evaluation of judicial officers conduct should be prioritized to avoid the emergence of more cases of misconduct and ensure the council is not overwhelmed with addressing such issues after they are committed."
He continued: "The NJC should continue to encourage transparency and public engagement in its decision-making process, thereby fostering trust in the judicial system and among the citizenry.
"By maintaining this momentum and dedication to judicial integrity, the NJC can play a crucial role in solidifying the foundation for a fair and just society in Nigeria."
Thereafter, the NJC recommended compulsory retirements for the heads of court in Imo and Yobe States; and suspension for a year without pay for their counterparts in Anambra and Rivers States.
Dr. Patrick Eholor, the founder of ONE LOVE FOUNDATION, in an exclusive statement sent to BENDEL Mirror online newspaper considers the decisions of the NJC as half-baked. This is because they are not in consonance with the rule of law and statutes which prescribes trial in a competent court of any one who contravenes the laws of the land.
Eholor also fondly called Ultimate Equal explains: "Yes, through these actions, the NJC demonstrated its commitment to ensuring the highest standard of ethics within the judiciary. So, in a way the NJC's action is commendable. But then the decisions to only compulsorily retire two of the heads of court and suspend the two others are not far-reaching enough. It would have been better if all the indicted justices were made to face the full wrath of the sane law which they pledged on oath to obey and serve"
Eholor added: "It is important, too, for the NJC to be proactive in its effort to strengthen the Nigerian judiciary. Preventive measures such as regular monitoring and evaluation of judicial officers conduct should be prioritized to avoid the emergence of more cases of misconduct and ensure the council is not overwhelmed with addressing such issues after they are committed."
He continued: "The NJC should continue to encourage transparency and public engagement in its decision-making process, thereby fostering trust in the judicial system and among the citizenry.
"By maintaining this momentum and dedication to judicial integrity, the NJC can play a crucial role in solidifying the foundation for a fair and just society in Nigeria."
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