Civil Society Consortium Demands CJN’s Resignation over Alleged Abuse of Office

The Civil Society Consortium on Judicial Accountability (CSCJA) has called for the immediate resignation of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, over allegations of abuse of office and favoritism.

The group has accused the CJN of appointing his son, Olukayode Ariwoola Jr., as a Judge of the Federal High Court and nominating his daughter, Oluwakemi Victoria Ariwoola, as a Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in what they deem as an abuse of his position.

These allegations have sparked a significant protest in Abuja, with demonstrators carrying placards that read “CJN should resign now,” “Stop Judicial Rascality,” “Say No To Nepotism,” and “Judicial Accountability is a Must.”

The protesters argue that these appointments undermine the integrity of the legal system and erode public confidence in the judiciary.

They also highlight the potential conflicts of interest and violations of the Code of Conducts for Judicial Officers in Nigeria, specifically Rule 11 (iv), which mandates that “in the exercise of his administrative duties, a Judicial Officer should avoid nepotism and favouritism.”

According to Mr Martin Obono, the coordinator of the CSCJA, the CJN presided over the 103rd meeting of the National Judicial Council that recommended the appointment of Olukayode Ariwoola Jr. to the Federal High Court. Obono emphasized that it is imperative for the judiciary to remain free from personal bias and favoritism to safeguard the principles of justice.

The group has called for an independent inquiry into the appointments of both Olukayode Ariwoola Jr. and Oluwakemi Victoria Ariwoola to determine whether there were other qualified candidates for these positions.

They also demand that Justice Olukayode Ariwoola recuse himself from his role as Chairman of the National Judicial Council pending the investigation’s outcome.

The protesters have emphasized that the inquiry should be conducted swiftly, and its results should be made public.

Amidst these allegations, the group has stressed the importance of maintaining the highest ethical standards within the legal system to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all citizens under the law.

They argue that the judiciary must be free from personal bias and favoritism to uphold the principles of justice.

As the controversy unfolds, the call for an independent investigation and Justice Olukayode Ariwoola’s resignation remains a focal point for the Civil Society Consortium on Judicial Accountability and other concerned parties.

This case highlights the ongoing struggle for judicial accountability and impartiality in Nigeria’s legal system.