Atiku’s aide advise CJN to lead by example
A Public Affairs Commentator, Phrank Shaibu has advised the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Oluwakayode Ariwoola, to lead by example on requirements for judicial officers to remain neutral and avoid political hobnobbing.
Shaibu, who is also Special Assistant on Public Communications to the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, gave the advice in a statement he issued on Friday in Abuja.
This was in reaction to the remarks credited to Justice Ariwoola and his appearance with some politicians.
Shaibu recalled that, last month, Justice Ariwoola, inaugurated 277 election petition tribunal members to adjudicate on matters arising from the 2023 General Elections in the country.
He recalled that at the event Justice Ariwoola warned judges to remain neutral and impartial during this political season. He also warned politicians against trying to induce judges.”
Shaibu, however, expressed recent remarks by the CJN when he was hosted in a reception by a group of PDP governors led by Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers State governor, suggest otherwise.
He recall that on Oct. 30, the CJN, who is from Oyo State, was hosted to a reception by Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
“At the event, Justice Ariwoola sat with Makinde and other governors who now pride themselves as the G5.”
Shuaibu said that also on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022, the CJN was in Rivers State, as a guest of Gov. Wike who also happens to be a member of the G5, at the inauguration of judiciary projects.
He recalled that at the event the CJN said he was happy that Makinde was a member of the G5 and solidly with Governor Wike.
He also recalled that Justice Ariwoola, was in Rivers State few days back to commission some judiciary projects undertaken by the state government.
Shaibu said that it was inappropriate for the CJN to use such event to double down on partisan remarks.
He said that It was unacceptable of Justice Ariwoola to have made a remark such as saying, ‘that is why we should not be scared to have these men of the integrity group and I am happy that my own governor is among them because he would try to imitate his friend and in-law because we came here to marry for my governor”.
Shaibu said that the CJN acknowledged the presence of the group of five governors at the gala night and judiciary project inauguration which was held in Rivers.
He said that “they had been similarly present when Makinde held a reception to celebrate his appointment as CJN some months ago.”
Shaibu said that such hobnobbing between the CJN and politicians is unprecedented in the annals of the country.
Shaibu said that “Such frolicking with politicians is at variance with Rule 1 of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers says that a judicial officer should avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all his activities.
“Rule 2(a) which pertains to social relationships specifically says, “A Judicial Officer must avoid social relationship that are improper or give rise to an appearance of impropriety, that cast doubt on the judicial officer’s ability to decide cases impartially, or that bring disrepute to the Judiciary.”
Shuaibu further frowns on the CJN being quoted on record to have said that, ‘whether people like Wike or not, he was leaving a legacy for generations unborn, stressing that his record will be hard to beat by any other public official.
He also qouted Prof. Itse Sagay saying judges are like ‘the big masquerade that cannot be unmasked publicly in a traditional African setting.
“They possess a god-like mystique that ought to insulate them from partisan politics.
“After God, the Supreme Court is the highest authority in our nation.”
Shaibu urged stakeholders in the judiciary including the Nigerian Bar Association, the Body of Benchers and all other reputable organisations in the judiciary to immediately to advise the CJN against hobnobbing with politicians
“Nigeria has been blessed with honourable and remarkable judges in the last couple of decades such as Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, Justice Olukayode Esho, Justice Taslim Elias just to mention a few.
“Some have gone on to the International Criminal Court in The Hague to make Nigeria proud and etch their names in the sands of time.”