NJC asks public to scrutinise 82 candidates nominated for judicial positions

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has invited the public to make comments on the “integrity and suitability” of 82 candidates nominated for judicial positions.

In an advertorial published on Daily Trust and shared via X, the council said the policy was adopted during NJC’s 108th meeting in April.

The public notice, which was published on Monday, was signed by Ahmed Gambo Saleh, NJC’s secretary.

The council said the policy was designed to open the process of judicial officers’ appointments to public scrutiny.

“The NJC introduced a policy that, all memoranda on appointment of Judicial Officers from various Judicial Service Commissions containing the names of candidates recommended for appointment already pending before it, should be published in the first instance,” the notice reads.

“However, henceforth, the Federal Judicial Service Commission, all Judicial Service Commissions or Committee of the FCT, shall publish the names of all candidates recommended for appointment.

“The primary objective of this initiative is to solicit comments from the general public regarding the integrity, reputation, and suitability of these candidates for judicial office.

“By opening the process to public scrutiny, the NJC aims to gather valuable insights that will inform its final decisions and ensure that only the most qualified candidates with impeccable character are appointed to the bench.”

In the notice, 82 candidates were nominated for the positions of chief judge of Ekiti state; judges of high courts in Cross River, Delta, Katsina, Ogun, Zamfara and Plateau; and judges of customary and Sharia court of appeal.

Two candidates — Adekanye Lekan Ogunmoye and Ogunyemi Olusegun Isaac — were shortlisted for the position of chief judge of Ekiti state.

HOW TO SUBMIT COMMENTS 

Complaints and comments are to be submitted to the office of the secretary of the NJC via email or postal address.

The email address is [email protected] while the postal address is National Judicial Council, Supreme Court Complex, Three Arms Zone, Abuja.

“Each complaint/comment must be accompanied by a verifying affidavit deposed to by the author before a superior court of record in Nigeria or before any notary public,” the council said.

“Accordingly, the Public is advised to guard against false and unsubstantiated complaint/comment as there will be consequences.

“Each complaint/comment must be precise and supported with sufficient particulars to enable the NJC accordingly determine it.

“The NJC encourages all stakeholders and members of the public to participate actively in this process by providing constructive feedback on the shortlisted candidates.”